James Dolan ordered MSG employees to record Carmelo Anthony to ascertain whether players were excessively trash talking him, according to sources.

The notion that Dolan was "spying" on Anthony is "flat-out wrong," according to sources. The motive was to protect Anthony, according to sources.

Tim Frank, the NBA's senior vice president of basketball operations, said the league has no issue with the recordings.

"There are no prohibitions against having audio equipment in the arena," Frank said.