Sports

Ex-Knicks Exec Criticizes Garden for Hiring Thomas

Published

11 years ago

May 8, 2015

In this Oct. 2, 2007, file photo, then-New York Knicks President and coach Isiah Thomas exits Manhattan federal court following the jury decision in the sexual harassment lawsuit against him and Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano, File)

MELISSA MURPHY, AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Not everyone is cheering the return of Isiah Thomas to Madison Square Garden.

Anucha Browne Sanders, who won a sexual harassment lawsuit against Thomas, the Garden and chairman Jim Dolan in 2007, and agreed to a settlement of $11.5 million, is criticizing the move.

On Thursday, she issued a statement through her lawyer Anne Vladeck, saying “those who do not learn from the past will be condemned to repeat it.”

Thomas, the former Knicks president and coach, was rehired this week by Dolan as president of the WNBA’s New York Liberty. Browne Sanders is a former Knicks executive and now the NCAA vice president for women’s basketball championships, who attended the Final Four in Tampa last month.

She added the Garden is attempting to “rewrite history” by issuing a statement this week that indicated what happened to her was simply “allegations” and unrelated to Thomas. She called the Garden statement “at best misleading and, at worst, a fabrication.”

The fallout after Tuesday’s announcement began almost immediately from commentators, women’s sports advocates and fans, who objected to Thomas running a women’s professional basketball team and the prospect of him becoming a part-owner of the Liberty with Dolan.

“Rehiring Thomas would be indicative of Dolan’s lack of respect for women and his insensitivity to the seriousness of sex discrimination in employment — something women face all too often,” said Donna Lopiano, the former women’s athletic director at Texas who specializes in Title IX and gender equity issues.

The Women’s Sports Foundation wrote an open letter Thursday to the WNBA Board of Governors, urging the 12 team owners not to approve Thomas as part-owner and to establish a clear policy on sexual harassment.

“Our reaction echoed the public’s overwhelming sentiment. We were shocked. We were puzzled,” the letter read.

The letter added that if Thomas becomes the Liberty president the message to young girls and women is that “sexual harassment — inexcusable behavior in any workplace — is not only tolerated but is instead rewarded with executive offices and big contracts.”

The Seattle Storm ownership group, comprised of three businesswomen, said they “believe there is no statute of limitations on the mandate that all WNBA owners and executives serve as exemplary role models and leaders.”

Owners Dawn Trudeau, Lisa Brummel and Ginny Gilder, added in a statement that “the sports world is finally beginning to address issues such as sexual harassment, domestic violence and sexual assault, all of which have been inadequately addressed for far too long. The WNBA belongs in a leadership role in addressing these sensitive issues.”

This week, Thomas attempted to downplay his role in the lawsuit, saying in interviews that the jury “found no findings” and he “was not liable.” The Garden also issued a statement saying “we did not believe the allegations then and we don’t believe them now” and “the jury did not find Isiah liable for punitive damages, confirming he did not act maliciously.”

That prompted Browne Sanders and her lawyer to respond.

“The Garden’s suggestion that the jury somehow exonerated Thomas by failing to award punitive damages against him is simply untrue,” the statement read. “To the contrary, six of seven jurors voted to assess punitive damages against Thomas personally. Had the defendants not settled after the verdict, Thomas would have had to face a retrial on that issue.”

The jury at the Federal District Court in Manhattan determined Browne was entitled to $11.6 million in punitive damages from the Garden and Dolan — $6 million the result of a hostile work environment created by Thomas and $5.6 million because Browne was improperly fired after telling her bosses. Dolan and MSG settled by paying $11.5 million.

Thomas had an unsuccessful run as the Knicks’ president from 2003-08, with the team reaching the NBA playoffs only once. He coached the Knicks from 2006-08 and went 56-108 before being fired.

“How can (ex-Clippers owner Donald) Sterling be rejected for his racist remarks and Thomas be embraced?” Lopiano said. “Women matter. Sexual violence, sexual harassment, lack of respect, all of these things matter.”

Lopiano said the WNBA Board of Governors should reject Thomas’ attempt to become a part-owner of the Liberty.

“Such decisions reflect the values of the Board of Governors,” Lopiano said. “I would think that both the WNBA and the NBA would disagree with Dolan on such a move.”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Ed Reed Signs Final Contract with Ravens, then Retires

Don't Miss

Morse Gets Ring, Giants Lose To Marlins

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Alameda County

Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.