Isiah Thomas Sexual Harassment Verdict

On Tuesday, October 02, 2007, a federal jury presented the verdict on the sexual harassment case against Isiah Thomas (the NBA coach for the New York Knicks) and Madison Square Garden. Former team executive, Anucha Browne Sanders, a married mother of three, filed a $10 million civil lawsuit for sexual harassment against both parties. Madison Square Garden and its chairman James Dolan were found guilty of harassment and responsible for paying $11.6 million in punitive damages to Sanders. Madison Square Garden plans to appeal the verdict. Isiah Thomas, on the other hand was found guilty of sexual harassment, yet was not required to pay any punitive damages to the prosecuting party.

Anucha Browne Sanders claimed that she was sexually harassed by Isiah Thomas on a number of occasions. The alleged sexual harassment consisted of unwanted advances and verbal insults. Thomas denied all allegations and declared, “I’m innocent, I’m very innocent.” He also stated that he did in fact try to kiss Sanders in 2005. At that time Sanders brought the situation to the Madison Square Garden President, Steve Mills. Mills spoke with Thomas about the situation, and the former point guard ensured him that it wouldn’t happen again.