Danny Ainge

226 Causeway Street

Fourth Floor

Boston, MA 02114

Dear Mr. Ainge:

You may not have heard of Tomek Kordylewski — but in fact, if we had to guess, you probably have.

You certainly should.

For several years, Mr. Kordylewski has poured his heart and soul into producing terrific highlight, and in some cases analytical, videos on the Boston Celtics.

With no disrespect to your own fine staff, or the folks at NBC, he’s the best in the business.

He isn’t paid to do this — but he oughta be.

Maybe that is why his YouTube channel is so beloved by Celtics fans — including, but not limited to, Celtics247.

Recently, a European firm, Aipex, filed a complaint with YouTube claiming he has infringed on their copyright-protected material. This may come as news to you, Adam Silver, and the National Basketball Association, but apparently they assert an interest (whether through licensure or representation) in Boston Celtics video productions.

(Basically, he’s so good, and has such a following, that he has drawn the ire of others. Like the tallest blade of grass in the Swiss proverb, he is the first to get mown down.)

YouTube has, at least for now, imposed a block on all new and existing footage on his channel. When we called both the NBA and the Celtics press office, they declined to answer our straightforward question as to whether Aipex represents them or not.

Two simple solutions

You can probably fix this with a one-page letter or a quick telephone call.

1. Grant Mr. Kordylewski a license, send a copy to YouTube, and advise them that the Aipex claim is without merit.

2. Hire Mr. Kordylewski. He’d make a great addition to your team.

Mr. Ainge, Celtics fans love you above all because you manage the team the way you played the game. Balls out, with no fear, and with great respect and love for the fans.

Please do not allow one of your most dedicated supporters to be taken down by a bureaucratic, legalistic Eurotroll, and whatever megacorporate interests it may represent.

While there should be respect for the rights you, the NBA, and their broadcast partners have in this matter, those same parties are not compelled enforce the exclusion of Mr. Kordylewski’s works.

Indeed, it is in the enlightened interest of all those parties, and the Celtics, to license him to continue. You, the NBA, and the networks are gaining eyes and revenues in the future, not losing them.

Alternatively, it is certainly within the Celtics power to simply hire him.

You have the power to cut through that miasma and define Mr. Kordylewski’s rights in a few minutes. #FreeTomek, Mr. Ainge.

With respect,

Celtics247

The Boston Celtics Reddit Page Consensus

Your millions of followers on Twitter, Instagram

… and the heart of Red Auerbach

“The Boston Celtics are not a basketball team. They are a way of life.”

Take the #FreeTomek straw poll here.

Sign the petition to Danny Ainge and Susan Wojcicki here.