September 12, 2007
"Bitch, I Don't Give a F--- About Ticket Sales"
Certainly, it's her word against his word, but if former Knicks marketing vice-president Anucha Browne Sanders is telling the truth, the disorganized management of the Knicks suddenly makes sense! Browne Sanders, who had filed a sexual harassment suit against Knicks President and coach Isiah Thomas after being fired last year, testified in Manhattan federal court yesterday. She made a number of spectacular claims: That Thomas frequently called her a "bitch" and a "ho," that he didn't care about his sponsors or fans, and even said that he was in love with her.
Browne Sanders said that Thomas didn't really care about trying to keep up the Knicks' community profile or season ticket holders. For instance, he allegedly said, "We're not going to do any more of these f-----g community event. I'm here to win f-----g basketball games." And when Browne Sanders asked him to personally sign letters to loyal season ticket holders, Thomas responded, "I don't give a f--- about these white people" (80% of season ticket holders are white). Plus she says Thomas would say, "Bitch, I don't give a f--- about the sponsors. Bitch, I don't give a f--- about ticket sales. That's your job," when she'd suggest that players do promotional events.
The Post details Browne Sanders' testimony about Thomas' declaration of love:
Thomas first pulled her aside at a Christmas party in 2004, and the two had joined in a basketball game called "horse," Sanders said.Thomas' lawyer said, ""We categorically deny the new set of unfounded and outrageous allegations made today in court. We look forward to our opportunity to present the facts." Browne Sanders has also sued Cablevision and Knicks owner James Dolan, who reportedly thought her demands for a $6-10 million settlement were a shakedown, hence the trial.That's when Thomas told her, "I figured out why we have problems. It's because we're so much alike. I'm in love with you. It's like the movie, 'Love and Basketball,' " Sanders said.
"I said, 'You're out of your mind,' " Sanders said. "I wanted to get out of there as fast as I could. I was just nervous."
Sometime later, Thomas called Sanders to a meeting in his office, purportedly to discuss staffing issues, closed the door and gave her a "big hug," she said.
"He said, 'You know I'm in love with you,' " Sanders recalled. "I said, 'Isiah, we just need to figure out a way to work together. Where else do you have an African-American president of the Garden, an African-American president of the team and an African-American vice president?'
"It is a tremendous message to minorities that this even exists," a teary-eyed Sanders recalled saying, clearing her throat as she struggled to repeat his response.
"I want to take you off-site for some private time," she said Thomas told her.
Knicks captain Stephon Marbury is expected to testify today. Given his past interview experience, we cannot wait for that testimony.
Photograph of Isiah Thomas arriving at the courthouse by Louis Lanzano/AP
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Isiah was highly disliked by his peers during his NBA days. It's not hard to believe he's an asshole.
there's so many things wrong with what I'm reading that I can't wait to read more.
for one, 80 percent of the season tickets holders are white????
He seems like the perfect GM for this group of over-hyped and over-paid Knicks.
I can't wait for the musical.
Obviously 80% of season-ticket holders are white; could anyone else really afford them?
I'm no fan of Zeke, and 95% of his front-office moves have had little positive consequences for the organization. Nolan should trade Marbury for a second round pick, and tell IT to pack up his bags too.
Nolan works for the Islanders. Dolan is with the Knicks.
that's what I'm saying, 80 percent? more like 99 percent of season ticket holders are white.
did she pronounce "ask" correctly?
isaiah's just keepin it real! he dont give a fuck about those cracka ass crackas! bitch thats YO job!
this is good shit.
"more like 99 percent of season ticket holders are white."
So I take it the 1% is Spike Lee since he's the only black man who can afford the ticket price.
Why did she drop Anucha as her first name?
Plus she is definitely NOT easy on the eyes.
He should have at least gone for a looker.
exactly, that one percent is mr. lee. I didn't say black people couldn't afford to go to the games.
I just said 80 percent of the season ticket holders are white????????
I don't think dick parsons goes to the games.
Do season ticket holders include the various companies that have them for business entertainment purposes?
I don't think they count a race when the corporation owns the tickets.
Wow, this should be like watching a train wreck in slow motion - sort of like watching Britney dance at the VMAs.
*shakes head*
Why does this have to happen with black folks? Of course, there are never going to be high profile stories about the successful blacks because it doesn't sell papers.
*wishes for the days of Reginald Lewis*
isiah always has that creepy childish smile on his face...I dont trust him.
Does Gothamist really need to blank out "fuck"? I mean, are there many children that read this blog? This is NYC after all. Most New Yorkers probably hear the "f-word" within five minutes of being born.
black people. I heard that the reason why dolan has to keep isiah is that dolan tried to fire Isiah but Isiah said that he'd call dolan "a fucking nazi racist" and say that dolan was " prejudice against black people" using the race card.
The only way the Knicks can get better is by the Dolan's selling the franchise. They better not buy the Yankees. They'll run that franchise into the ground too.
I disagree. The Dolans should buy the Yankees, because they'll run them into the ground.
So when are the Nets moving to Brooklyn? Then we can forget about the disgrace that is the Knicks.
the knicks are too ghetto. and to think a US senator came out of there.
Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
Lets go Rangers.