The Rise and Fall of Isiah Thomas: Examining the Sexual Harassment Accusations

Isiah Thomas remains one of the greatest players in NBA history. However, Thomas had a very forgettable career as an executive.

He served as the Toronto Raptors' executive vice president from 1994 to 1998, and then as the president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks from 2003 to 2008.

During his tenure with the Knicks, Thomas was involved in an alleged sexual harassment controversy. Former executive Anucha Brown Sanders filed a lawsuit against the Madison Square Garden Company in 2006. Sanders accused the Knicks of firing her for complaining about Thomas, who allegedly sexually harassed her.

According to the New York Daily News, the case was settled, and Brown Sanders was awarded $11.6 million in damages. Nevertheless, it was an embarrassing time for the New York Knicks, as well as Isiah Thomas, who was at the mercy of fans for what he has done with the team since taking over as president in 2003.

It was an ugly situation for the Knicks, as several other issues were uncovered during the investigation and trial. Some of them include nepotism in hiring Stephon Marbury's relatives as MSG employees and Thomas using profanities a lot of times in the workplace.

Thomas maintained his innocence after the trial and years later when he was named team president and part owner of the New York Liberty in 2015. He remained in the position till 2019 when Joe Tsai purchased Liberty from MSG.

Also Read: How is LeBron James' mom Gloria James related to Delonte West? Explaining their complicated relationship

Isiah Thomas won't have role within Phoenix Suns

Mat Ishbia was officially confirmed as the Phoenix Suns' new majority owner on Monday. Ishbia, a former Michigan State player, is the president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage. He reportedly purchased the Suns from Robert Sarver for $4 billion.

Amid Ishbia's purchase of the Suns, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report noted that Isiah Thomas is in line for a 'prominent role' in the Suns' front office. However, Thomas' representative denied the rumors.

It should be noted that Thomas does not have the best resume as an executive, sinking the New York Knicks during his tenure coupled with the sexual harassment lawsuit. Thomas was linked to Ishbia due to their friendship.

"He and I are very close, and also he's one who advised me in the business space," Thomas said in an interview with Crain's Detroit Business. "I've called on him quite frequently in the past to help me navigate some of our growing pains and likewise, so we have shared advice with each other. We've become very good friends."

Also Read: Who are Mat Ishbia's kids? Meet the Phoenix Suns owner's family and next generation