NBA

Lin supporter O’Neil resigns post as MSG sports president

NEW THREADS: Amar’e Stoudemire (right) shows off the Knicks’ new uniform jersey during an appearance yesterday with Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan on “Live! With Kelly and Michael.” (Disney-ABC)

Until Wednesday, not one member of the Knicks hierarchy had commented on Jeremy Lin’s shocking exit in mid-July.

Perhaps MSG sports president Scott O’Neil did in his own way when he announced he was leaving the Garden.

O’Neil oversaw the Knicks’ and Rangers’ marketing and season-ticket operation and the move comes just 1½ months after the Knicks’ prized marketing cash cow, Lin, was allowed to sign with the Rockets when owner James Dolan and the Knicks failed to match Houston’s offer sheet.

Sources said O’Neil opposed the decision to let Lin leave. O’Neil’s departure could prove to be a major marketing loss as the Knicks brace for the onslaught of the Nets in Brooklyn.

In March, O’Neil struck a deal with Coke to run ads in Chinese because of Lin.

“These ads will provide exceptional branding for Coke and be an open for business sign for MSG that will be seen around the world,’’ O’Neil told The Post at the time. “We continue to be amazed and appreciate the response that Jeremy and the Knicks receive from fans around the country during our games and globally across our digital platforms and TV.’’

A person close to O’Neil said he will be back in the sports industry and could return to the NBA office where he once oversaw business operations. The Garden said it would begin a search for O’Neil’s replacement.

In a statement Wednesday, O’Neil said, “My time at The World’s Most Famous Arena has been nothing short of incredible and I am proud of our results.’’

The Garden’s statement read: “We are grateful for Scott’s years of service and his many contributions to the company, and wish him the very best of luck as he moves forward.’’