Vibe.com, January 25th, 2006
Thomas insisted he never harassed Anucha Browne Sanders, the Knicks' former senior vice president of marketing and business operations, who filed a federal sexual harassment lawsuit against him, accusing him of unwanted advances, discrimination and "demeaning and repulsive behavior," according to The Associated Press. He also says he did not discriminate against her and was not responsible for her being fired. Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks play, said Sanders was fired because she "failed to fulfill professional responsibilities."
"She did not even work for me," Thomas said at a news conference Wednesday [January 25]. "I will not allow her or anybody, man or woman, to use me as a pawn for their financial gain."
Sanders is suing both Thomas and Madison Square Garden because "my pleas and complaints about Mr. Thomas's illegal and offensive actions fell on deaf ears," she said Wednesday at her own news conference. "He refused to stop his demeaning and repulsive behavior and the Garden refused to intercede."
Sanders said in the suit, filed Tuesday [January 24] in a Manhattan federal court, that Thomas made repeated sexual advances towards her, used offensive language, and turned fellow employees against her. She also alleges that when she asked her supervisor, Madison Square Garden Sports president Steve Mills, for help, he refused.
Sanders, who was fired last Thursday, is seeking reinstatement to her job and unspecified damages. Sanders' lawyer, Kevin Mintzer, told the AP that a settlement was a possibility, but that if none can be reached, they will begin depositions.
On Wednesday, the AP spoke to several Knicks players who supported Thomas, including Stephon Marbury who said, "I know Isiah and I know he's an honorable man. I know that he's a guy filled with a lot of character, so I think everyone here is on his side."
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