From the New York Daily News’ Thomas Zambito :
Fired Knicks executive Anucha Browne Sanders settled her sexual harassment suit against the team Monday – days before a judge was to decide how much the team owed her in damages.
The settlement – for an undisclosed amount – was revealed in a one-paragraph statement filed today with Manhattan Federal Court Judge Gerard Lynch.
“It is hereby stipulated by and between the parties to this action, through their respective counsel, that the above-captioned action shall be dismissed, with prejudice…without costs to any party.”
Browne Sanders, who was awarded $11.6 million in punitive damages and stood to collect millions more in compensatory damages, said she was happy it was finally over.
Thomas continued to profess his innocence despite the settlement.
“As I have said before, I am completely innocent,” Thomas said. “This decision doesn’t change that. However, this is the best course for Madison Square Garden, and I fully support it.”
Garden officials said NBA Commissioner David Stern pushed for the settlement.
At MSG this evening, the Mavs hold a commanding 70-48 lead over the Knicks, who are being lit up without Stephon Marbury watching from the floor or the bench for a change. Dirk Nowitzki has scored 31 points in a mere 24 minutes, and Mike Breem has gone so far as to suggest that Isiah Thomas should try and get thrown out of the game, in the faint hope of motivating his players. An interesting proposition, but surely Zeke’s done everything imaginable to be run out of town, never mind one basketball game?
Mandude, have you read the latest Forbes magazine? The leagues most valuable team is none other than the New York Knickerbockers. WTF?
yep, that Forbes piece was linked to over the weekend. It doesn’t appear as though there’s tremendous motivation for Dolan to do anything other than continue on his chosen path.
Of course, a Knicks team that actually contended every year would be worth even more money and would likely increase the league’s future TV loot, but so long as Dolan isn’t being actively penalized, this is kind of like yelling at a windmill.