A federal jury in Manhattan today ruled that New York Knicks head coach and general manager Isiah Thomas sexually harassed a former female executive, Anucha Browne Sanders. The jury also found that Madison Square Garden Chairman James Dolan wrongfully terminated Browne Sanders in retaliation for complaining about it. The jury awarded Browne Sanders $11.6 million in damages.
During the trial, Browne Sanders said that Thomas had made unwanted sexual advances toward the her and called her a “bitch” and “ho.” Her attorneys argued that this created a hostile working environment based on gender. Thomas denied the allegations.
The jury could not reach a decision on whether or not the actions of Thomas warranted punitive damages. The judge declared a mistrail on this point.
Sources:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/sexual-harassment-at-the-garden/
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-limsg1003,0,5396994.story?coll=ny-about-utility
