Barack Obama plans to attend a fundraising reception at home of, and accept money from, a former Knicks player roundly criticized for anti-Semitism. New York Magazine reports:

 ... a minimum $1,000-a-head reception at the home of retired Knick Allan Houston on Saturday is drawing heavy criticism from some Jewish anti-discrimination groups. "It's very unfortunate," says David Twersky, communications director at the American Jewish Congress. "It looks like Obama is doing pretty well. He doesn't need Allan Houston's money."

Back in 2001, Houston and fellow Knick guard and so-called "God squad" mate Charlie Ward were jeered by fans after making statements Jewish groups deemed anti-Semitic. Though Ward was the most criticized (he said Jews had Jesus's "blood on their hands" and were "stubborn" during a pre-game Bible study), Houston supported Ward's notion that Jews were responsible for Christ's death by whipping out his Palm Pilot to find the relevant scripture (Matthew 26:67) and said: "Then they spit in Jesus' face and hit him with their fists."