Thomas denies any harassment
Isiah Thomas reacted with indignation Wednesday over a former team executive’s federal sexual harassment lawsuit, which accuses the New York Knicks president of unwanted advances, discrimination and “demeaning and repulsive behavior.”
Thomas said he never harassed Anucha Browne Sanders, the Knicks’ former senior vice president of marketing and business operations, nor did he discriminate against her or participate in her firing.
“She did not even work for me,” he said, reading from a written statement at a news conference. “I will not allow her or anybody, man or woman, to use me as a pawn for their financial gain.”
Thomas said he spoke out despite his lawyers’ advice to keep mum because “it is not their name, it’s not their family, it’s not their career and it’s not their reputation that’s being hurt.”
Browne Sanders said she sued Thomas and Madison Square Garden “because I had no choice.”
“My pleas and complaints about Mr. Thomas’s illegal and offensive actions fell on deaf ears,” she said at a news conference at her lawyer’s office. “He refused to stop his demeaning and repulsive behavior and the Garden refused to intercede.”
The 43-year-old, a former Northwestern basketball star who described herself as the Knicks’ second-highest ranking executive, is seeking reinstatement to her job and unspecified damages. She said she was fired last Thursday “for telling the truth” while going through internal channels to stop the harassment.
Nailon won’t play after domestic dispute
Philadelphia forward Lee Nailon was arraigned on simple assault and harassment charges stemming from a fight with his wife at home.
Nailon was placed on the inactive list and will not practice, play or travel with the team, 76ers president Billy King said.
On the court
Mike Bibby and Brad Miller made the wait for Ron Artest a little easier for the Sacramento Kings.
Bibby scored eight of his 35 points in overtime and added 10 assists, and Miller had 25 points and 15 rebounds to lead the short-handed Kings over the New York Knicks 106-102 in New York.
Stephon Marbury scored 22 points in his return to the lineup after missing three straight games with a sprained left shoulder for the Knicks, who lost their sixth straight.
Pistons 106, Bucks 102 (OT): At Auburn Hills, Mich., Chauncey Billups scored 11 points in overtime to help Detroit win its ninth straight with a win over Milwaukee.
Wizards 89, Celtics 87: At Boston, Gilbert Arenas hit two free throws with 1.7 seconds remaining to lift Washington to a win over Boston.
Spurs 84, Hornets 68: Tim Duncan scored 17 points as San Antonio handed New Orleans its worst defeat in Oklahoma City. The Hornets’ sputtering offense set a season low in scoring for the second straight game.
Rockets 102, Bobcats 78: At Houston, Tracy McGrady scored 29 points in three quarters as Houston snapped a seven-game home losing streak by beating Charlotte.
Bulls 104, Raptors 88: At Toronto, Chris Duhon scored 26 points as Chicago beat Toronto for the 12th straight time.
Cavaliers 106, Hawks 97: At Atlanta, LeBron James had 38 points, nine rebounds and six assists as Cleveland won its third straight game with a win over Atlanta.
Nuggets 97, Trail Blazers 94: At Portland, Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points to help Denver win its seventh straight game as the Nuggets rallied to beat Portland.
Grizzlies 107, Timberwolves 87: At Memphis, Tenn., Pau Gasol broke out of an offensive slump and scored 30 points to help Memphis beat Minnesota.
Clippers 90, Nets 77: At Los Angeles, Elton Brand scored 10 of his 19 points in the first 5 minutes, and Sam Cassell and Chris Kaman added 17 each as Los Angeles beat New Jersey.
Mavericks 102, Warriors 93: At Oakland, Calif., Jerry Stackhouse scored 23 points, Dirk Nowitzki added 18 and Jason Terry chipped in with as Dallas roared past Golden State.