ISIAH THOMAS WON’T TAKE JOB AS KNICKS CONSULTANT

The New York Knicks made news last week by offering former team president and head coach Isiah Thomas a job as a ‘consultant’.  On Wednesday, Thomas announced that he won’t be accepting a job and instead will remain in his current position as head coach of Florida International University.  The Knicks’ decision to hire Thomas met with a good deal of criticism, since his reign with the team was not only unsuccessful on the court but controversial off the court including a well publicized sexual harassment lawsuit that cost the organization $11.6 million.  Despite these struggles, Thomas has maintained a close friendship with Knicks’ owner Jim Dolan and that appears to be the basis for the team offering him a job.

Thomas had planned to serve in a dual capacity as FIU coach and consult with the Knicks, with his duties being vaguely described as "assist(ing) the team's senior management in various capacities, including player recruitment."  After discussing the arrangement with the league office, Thomas learned that he would be in violation of an NBA by-law which stipulates that league personnel are not allowed contact with players who are not yet eligible for the draft.  Obviously, he’d be in contact with ‘ineligible’ players on a daily basis in his role as a college coach.

Thomas released this statement explaining his decision:

"After speaking with Commissioner [David] Stern and Knicks executives, it has become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws. Because of this, I have decided to rescind my contract with the team. I have nothing but the utmost respect for [owner] Jim Dolan, [general manager] Donnie Walsh, [coach] Mike D'Antoni and the entire Knicks organization, and I want to thank them for affording me this opportunity."

MSG chairman Jim Dolan said in response:

"Although I'm disappointed that Isiah will not be working with the Knicks as a consultant, I continue to believe in his basketball knowledge, including his ability to judge talent. He's a good friend of mine and of the organization and I will continue to solicit his views. He will always have strong ties to me and the team. We wish him continued success at FIU."

Not one to give up the last word, David Stern issued his own statement on the situation:

"We have been informed by the Knicks that Isiah Thomas has rescinded his consulting agreement with the team. As a result, it is not necessary for the league to take any formal action on the proposed arrangement. However, we have reminded the Knicks of NBA rules that prohibit team personnel, including consultants, from having contact with players not eligible for the draft."

Thomas served as Knicks team president from December 2003 to April 2008.  He added the head coaching duties in the final two years of his tenure, and was fired after the 2007-08 season in which the Knicks posted a substandard 23-59 record.