Jim Dolan is the stereotypical mismanage-inherited-wealth jerk. Fortunately for the Dolan family, the two properties, MSG and Cablevision, are virtual monopolies, which insulates them somewhat from this guys ineptitude. Just keep raising prices to pass the failure on to the customers.
2
I quit following the Knicks thanks to Dolan's incompetence. The fact that he'd try to revive another loser's career doesn't surprise me.
2
James Dolan is surprisingly tone-deaf for someone who claims to be a musician!
2
I have a great idea: Tear down MSG and build a railroad station there. Deport Dolan and Thomas to the Meadowlands.
2
Can't make this stuff up.
Can the league force him to sell like they did to Sterling?
Can the league force him to sell like they did to Sterling?
2
O.M.G.
Isiah?
He's the biggest phony and incompetent out there. Dolan is beyond lame. The man is simply the worst owner of a professional sports club. He's single-handedly turned a storied franchise into a laughing stock. I've stopped pointing out the players we've lost through moronic trades of current quality players, like Zack Randolph or Daniello Gallinari and Tim Mozgov - as well as draft picks that could have landed the Knicks solid, if not excellent, players for the future.
It's sad what's happened. Truly sad. All I can say is that Thomas & Dolan deserve each other.
Isiah?
He's the biggest phony and incompetent out there. Dolan is beyond lame. The man is simply the worst owner of a professional sports club. He's single-handedly turned a storied franchise into a laughing stock. I've stopped pointing out the players we've lost through moronic trades of current quality players, like Zack Randolph or Daniello Gallinari and Tim Mozgov - as well as draft picks that could have landed the Knicks solid, if not excellent, players for the future.
It's sad what's happened. Truly sad. All I can say is that Thomas & Dolan deserve each other.
1
This is ridiculous. The "new" hire is the same guy Dolan paid out millions in fines because he created a sexist environment at MSG. Now you make him the head of the women's team? That's it. I'm officially off the Knicks for good. I thought I could give Dolan another chance after they brought back Steve Mills and Phil Jackson, but it is clear the Knicks are James Dolan. I want no part of that.
2
And in related news, Michael Vick was named president of his local dog shelter....Is it never bizarre enough? I don't care if this guy was the inventor of basketball - Thomas doesn't belong around women, and his boss doesn't get it!
2
Moms and Dads with daughters who may have some professional basketball talent - when the Liberty come through to sign your daughter. Show them where the closest interstate highway is.
3
Where is Adam Silver? I applauded his swift action on Donald Sterling's racist remarks. The WNBA/NBA are rewarding a man found guilty of sexual harassment by making him the president of a women's basketball team? This is the height of arrogance. I feel horrible for the women in that organization.
4
Doesn't this sort of "decision" document what many have thought for a long time: i.e. that is mentally incompetent to run a major sports team? If Donald Sterling was regarded as incompetent and stripped of a team, how about Dolan?
3
Isiah will implode. That's what people like him do. Unfortunately, innocent bystanders will be victimized and left in his wake....which is THE reason not to ever hire him in the first place....but, sooner than later, he will implode. Just watch.
As an executive Thomas made huge mistakes in free agency and in negotiating player contracts, but make no mistake about his eye for talent. He brought Jamal Crawford and Zack Randolph to NY, drafted David Lee, Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, Trevor Ariza. With Toronto he drafted Damon Stoudemire, Marcus Camby and Tracy McGrady. This suggests that he has a very credible role to play in any professional basketball front office.
Not to make light of sexual harrassment, but at worst, Thomas is accused of making sexually inappropriate comments to Mrs. Browne-Sanders, or perhaps misogynistic comments. If so, he has paid for his behavior (again, assuming them to be true) and his victim has been handsomely compensated for her ordeal. The annals of American history are replete with second acts and Thomas accordingly is being given a chance to write his.
Not to make light of sexual harrassment, but at worst, Thomas is accused of making sexually inappropriate comments to Mrs. Browne-Sanders, or perhaps misogynistic comments. If so, he has paid for his behavior (again, assuming them to be true) and his victim has been handsomely compensated for her ordeal. The annals of American history are replete with second acts and Thomas accordingly is being given a chance to write his.
Running a basketball team is a lot more than just identifying talent. Yes, he brought some quality players to NY, but the Knicks were 56-108 when Isiah was their coach and they were 56-108 when he was their president. And this doesn't even address all his other mistakes like the Larry Brown fiasco.
The charges against Isiah are not just accusations, they are a jury's verdict, which he did not choose to appeal. To hire such as man a the head of a women's team would be insulting under any circumstances. To do so when he also had such a disastrous record as an executive is downright baffling.
The charges against Isiah are not just accusations, they are a jury's verdict, which he did not choose to appeal. To hire such as man a the head of a women's team would be insulting under any circumstances. To do so when he also had such a disastrous record as an executive is downright baffling.
1
Bakes: unfortunately, your comments about drafting overlook quite a lot. For example, Channing was traded within 2 years for Randolph, and Randolph then was traded about 1 year later for a washed-up Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley, with the Knicks also giving up 2 first-round picks. Ariza also was traded about 2 years after being drafted. Isiah also had a history of trading away other first round draft picks for (to put it charitably) limited players, such as Eddy Curry. One of those first-round picks became Joakim Noah, whom I believe still remains a viable NBA player. And if we want to discuss other "notable" players selected by Mr. Thomas, we can turn to Renalo Balkman (picked instead of Kyle Lowry and Paul Millsap, among others) or Mardy Collings. He also drafter Wilson Chandler rather than Marc Gasol. His free-agent signings were abysmal, as well. His talent evaluation record is much poorer than your comment would indicate.
Need we turn to the CBA, or the demise of the Raptors? This is not a "second act," but rather a 4th, or perhaps a 5th. This is recidivism, nothing else, and my counter-suggestion is that he should not have a role anywhere near professional basketball.
And this doesn't even begin to mention Ms. Browne-Sanders. Based upon the actual record, Mr. Thomas' conduct seems to have been far worse than your characterization would suggest.
Need we turn to the CBA, or the demise of the Raptors? This is not a "second act," but rather a 4th, or perhaps a 5th. This is recidivism, nothing else, and my counter-suggestion is that he should not have a role anywhere near professional basketball.
And this doesn't even begin to mention Ms. Browne-Sanders. Based upon the actual record, Mr. Thomas' conduct seems to have been far worse than your characterization would suggest.
Him again? Ick. I just puked a little bit in my mouth.
5
Isiah Thomas was truly one of the greatest players ever to lace 'em up. But, unfortunately, he was the worst GM since George Armstrong Custer. A better headline would read, "Oligarch Snuffs Out Liberty in New York".
9
The "worst"? Sure there were mistakes, but he brought Jamal Crawford and Zack Randolph to NY, drafted David Lee, Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, Trevor Ariza. With Toronto he drafted Damon Stoudemire, Marcus Camby and Tracy McGrady. He has had near unparalleled success in the draft. Other aspects, free-agency, contract negotiations, he had several missteps.
Artist, talk about being kind:)
1
I think you can put Isiah Thomas and Floyd Mayweather in the HOF of great athlete/terrible human being. Any other nominees (I can't spell Big Ben's last name :)
One thing Dolan has done is to make us all read about and talk about the Liberty
One thing Dolan has done is to make us all read about and talk about the Liberty
2
Isiah Thomas did a miserable job with the Knicks and he should have been fired a lot sooner. But most of his harshest critics (except the Times) never believed the harassment allegations. The only thing that trial proved was that the accuser was/is a big time liar and tax cheat. If acceptance of the jury verdict is so important, I guess OJ will be cleared to coach.................. as soon as he is released.
1
I think the only comment I take issue with is that Isiah Thomas is a proven judge of talent. Based on his performance with the Knicks, assumes facts not clearly in evidence.
3
Actually it more reveals your unfamiliarity with the facts:
He brought Jamal Crawford and Zack Randolph to NY, drafted David Lee, Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, Trevor Ariza. With Toronto he drafted Damon Stoudemire, Marcus Camby and Tracy McGrady.
He brought Jamal Crawford and Zack Randolph to NY, drafted David Lee, Channing Frye, Nate Robinson, Trevor Ariza. With Toronto he drafted Damon Stoudemire, Marcus Camby and Tracy McGrady.
a player, but never a sportsman, his duck-out scuttle when the pistons (lambeer too!) lost to the bulls, shrinking from the handshake, (check the tapes) stands as the benchmark for spoor sportsmanship...the one that coaches and teachers can show their kids (ok, connors and mcenroe can compete but not equal or surpass thomas's takcy genture)....let's see that one on the jumbotron at half time.
3
The 'benchmark' for poor sportsmanship? Worse than Pete Rose? Worse than Scottie Pippen refusing to go into the game after his coach called his name? Worse than Spygate, and now Deflategate?
Surely, the gentleman protests too much, methinks.
Surely, the gentleman protests too much, methinks.
Dolan making another poor decision? Sounds about right.
3
The world, including the City of New York, would be so much better were Dolan confined permanently in an insane asylum. I was a season ticket-holder of the Knicks and Rangers from the day Madison Square Garden opened and for the following decade. Today I would not accept season tickets were Dolan to offer me them gratis.
2
Rangers holding their own but I think the hockey club made an arrangement where Dolan cannot be so influencial.
this has to be nominated for 'Sports of the Times' column of the year.
Clearly IT and JD have a 'unique' bond that cannot be broken by mere convictions, damages payouts and team failures.
Maybe IT can get some fans in the seats by having the Liberty play in beach volleyball unis
Clearly IT and JD have a 'unique' bond that cannot be broken by mere convictions, damages payouts and team failures.
Maybe IT can get some fans in the seats by having the Liberty play in beach volleyball unis
1
Great piece of writing! And I love how Powell calls the Knicks a semiprofessional basketball team, ha! Dang, this is one hot mess and of course Dolan is at the steaming center of it. AXE ISIAH! He should be allowed to coach a women's ball team like a pedophile should be allowed to sell ice cream outside a school.
7
Isiah Thomas is not innocent in his business life, he did have missteps in running several organizations.. He is though a competent judge of basketball talent and worthy of giving counsel on that regard. The previous issues he had with Ms Browne...in this entire article is not mentioned..It is not mentioned because besides him being verbally familiar with her he did not have any inappropriate touching or inappropriate advances towards her or put her job on the line if his advances were not accepted. Thomas was not the target but he was the method in which Ms Browne could make her case stronger. I Think while Isiah is not without sin he was stroked by a broad brush in this case. I wish him well. I could get into what motivates so many to lash out at him, but I will leave that to another time.
1
Maybe the Liberty are doing too well and embarrassing the men, so Dolan brought in a "fixer"?
The only thing this proves is that Dolan is a spoiled rich boy playing at owning sports teams.
The only thing this proves is that Dolan is a spoiled rich boy playing at owning sports teams.
2
Truly amazing. Putting Thomas in charge of a women's basketball program after he was proven guilty of sexual harassment defies logic. I have often believed Dolan made poor decisions. This latest decision may prove he was brain damaged at birth. My condolences to his parents.They have raised an IDIOT.
7
I don't like to engage in armchair psychology but it seems entirely possible that Jim Dolan is off his rocker.
3
Don't even know where to begin with reacting to this news. I'd laugh at the buffoonery of it all if it wasn't so tragic. I'm not sure that hometown loyalty and nostalgic memories are enough to support rooting for the Knicks anymore.
4
Thomas has polaroids.
And how many women do you think are now going to go to any games . Dolan should now be known as King Schmendrick.
3
Right on, Michael. Keep the heat on. Hopefully, this hire will not be approved by the Board of Governors.
2
Drolan OWNS the Board of Governors
"Only in America!"
While the circumstances are vastly different, if Donald Sterling can, in effect, be fired even if he owns the team; based on his own hubris and incompetence, an argument can be made as to why "Guitar Jimmy"Dolan shouldn't deserve a similar fate.
a tried and convicted sexual harrasser is put in charge of a group of women.
it defies reason.
it defies reason.
4
Perhaps you flunked civics... but it would help if you were familiar with the difference between a civil and criminal trial. Thomas was never "convicted" of anything, except in the court of public ignorance.
To give Sports Illustrated due credit, "this week's sign that the apocalypse is upon us." Or, Seinfeld's "Really?"
1
In terms of purely coaching and management decisions even Leon Hess must be looking down and laughing.
3
James Dolan is the argument that meritocracy isn't an American value.
5
silver spoons must certainly be off his rocker to even think of giving this miscreant a 2nd, 3rd, 4th (you fill in the #) chance
I dropped cablevision like a sack of hot potatoes years ago in favor of direc tv - best choice I ever mand
I dropped cablevision like a sack of hot potatoes years ago in favor of direc tv - best choice I ever mand
2
Does anyone believe that Thomas has not been on Dolan's payroll all along? After all the Knicks idiotic deal making did not change after he "left." Now he's once again currying favor with former NBA players who have proven to be losers in their second careers. Thomas gets admiration from that clique with abject failure on the court.
This article serves two purposes: 1. it shows (yet again) how dysfunctional Dolan is as a manager; and, 2. it shows what an excellent writer Mr. Powell is.
3
Looking at the accompanying photo to this piece, its clear Dolan has a man-crush on Isiaiah. Don't get me wrong, I had a crush on the guy too. Great player. Great smile. Not so great an executive. I hope they surprise us all, but its not likely.
I doubt Dolan cares about peoples opinions, its his team and he likes Thomas. What matters is the box office. If your supporting the Rangers or Knicks and purchasing HIS tickets you support Dolan. Players come and go--Dolan stays.
Stay out of the Garden and keep your money.
Stay out of the Garden and keep your money.
1
Wow, the fox is not just in the chicken house; he is its boss.
3
This guy must give one hell of a job interview; I understand he is reported to be quite charismatic, but it's almost impossible to imagine how smooth and suave one must be to keep getting management opportunities despite his track record. Dolan sincerely likes and cares for the man; I'm sure Zeke has played the poor kid from Chicago card more than twice. The jury's verdict in the Browne case (and Thomas' notable failure to appeal) should have kept this guy from basketball management for the rest of his life. For him to take charge of a woman's team is an egregious insult to the game; Adam Silver cannot be pleased with Dolan at all (again).
2
It is hard for me to have sympathy for gurus---but for once I do have some for Jackson with Thomas stalking the halls of the Garden,whispering in the ears of players. But I do have great sympathy for any woman who works there. Can you imagine: you walk innocently down a hall and suddenly Thomas is right there behind you.
1
Obviously yet another blunder from Dolan. But let's follow this through: assuming that the WNBA refuses to accept Thomas (as I urge them to do) then what? Will he fade away again? Will Dolan? Or will Dolan sue? Is that the end-game all along -- the appeal by other means?
1
Narcotics Anonymous > Quotes > Quotable Quote
“Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results."
Dolan is hooked on stupid.
“Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results."
Dolan is hooked on stupid.
4
I think they are a couple! Go Figure! Bad Hire This Guy Zeke knows nothing about New York! Something Is So Wrong With This Picture! Dolan Sell The Knickerbockers You Can Keep Zeke and The Liberty, Just Saying!
1
This from Forbes 2015, Ranking of the World's Billionaires:
"In March 2014, a Cablevision investor sued Dolan for overpaying himself and his family members, but the Dolans have filed to have the lawsuit dismissed."
As James runs the Dolan family show, so he "runs" their businesses. Conscience? someone mentioned. Don't we wish! His behavior is reprehensible. What James Dolan wants, James Dolan gets. It's gross ---too bad he can't apply his "gross" income to real-world tragedies and issues. Instead, nearly everything James does stands in direct contrast to the mission and values of any "charitable" organizations the family does support. I don't know what James Dolan's values are. Michael Powell, maybe a follow-up article? Very well told.
"In March 2014, a Cablevision investor sued Dolan for overpaying himself and his family members, but the Dolans have filed to have the lawsuit dismissed."
As James runs the Dolan family show, so he "runs" their businesses. Conscience? someone mentioned. Don't we wish! His behavior is reprehensible. What James Dolan wants, James Dolan gets. It's gross ---too bad he can't apply his "gross" income to real-world tragedies and issues. Instead, nearly everything James does stands in direct contrast to the mission and values of any "charitable" organizations the family does support. I don't know what James Dolan's values are. Michael Powell, maybe a follow-up article? Very well told.
I thought I was reading an article on Onion.com for a moment.
Just when I thought the Knicks organization couldn't be more incompetent, Phil Jackson aside, Dolan dives lower into the muck.
I may have to formally declare my allegiance to the Nets. Not that I've stepped foot in the Garden for a Knicks game since Isaiah first came to town.
Just when I thought the Knicks organization couldn't be more incompetent, Phil Jackson aside, Dolan dives lower into the muck.
I may have to formally declare my allegiance to the Nets. Not that I've stepped foot in the Garden for a Knicks game since Isaiah first came to town.
4
[[I called Suzanne B. Goldberg, director of Columbia Law School’s Center for Gender & Sexuality Law. She is, by her own acknowledgment, not a big basketball fan and does not seem to follow the Knicks. (I suggested this was just as well.)]]
God love you, sir.
God love you, sir.
2
Too bad the soccer relegation rules don't apply to the NBA ... on the positive side most of the Liberty players can probably knock the crap out of Isiaih
2
Thomas has been a failure since he retired as a player. He failed in Toronto; with the Knicks as coach & GM; he owned the Continental Basketball Assoc. which filed for bankruptcy, probably with the help of David Stern so he could form the developmental league for the NBA. With a track record like that, Dolan doesn't have a CLUE as to which way the wind blows and has the wool pulled over his eyes. I see no winning future for the Liberty. Don't buy tickets, save your money.
13
There simply can't be more evidence at this point that James Dolan is just unfit to be an owner, be it WNBA or NBA. Of all the available, qualified candidates he might have hired, he chooses Isiah Thomas? To run a women's basketball team? With his history?
As president of the team, you can be sure that Isiah will be down in that locker room, and I can't imagine anything more creepy than that. Isiah Thomas should be out of basketball entirely, and so should James Dolan, who has just cemented his legacy as the all-time stupidest owner in the history of sports.
As president of the team, you can be sure that Isiah will be down in that locker room, and I can't imagine anything more creepy than that. Isiah Thomas should be out of basketball entirely, and so should James Dolan, who has just cemented his legacy as the all-time stupidest owner in the history of sports.
28
"James Dolan, who has just cemented his legacy as the all-time stupidest owner in the history of sports."
Couldn't agree more.
Couldn't agree more.
Dolan *gives* a second chance? He doesn't deserve one himself!!
10
Real men live so their rivals are assinated on the steps of the Kremlin, just so everyone understands what is what.
Dolan, an oligarch but a far lesser oligarch who can't match the Kremlin killing ploy, can hire Isiah just so all know what is what. Including Phil Jackson and any "fans."
It takes a wise man to be born an oligarch.
Dolan, an oligarch but a far lesser oligarch who can't match the Kremlin killing ploy, can hire Isiah just so all know what is what. Including Phil Jackson and any "fans."
It takes a wise man to be born an oligarch.
3
A glutton for pain J.L.D.
With disastrous choices is free,
An Isiahphile
Which means all this while
His cortex works defectively!
With disastrous choices is free,
An Isiahphile
Which means all this while
His cortex works defectively!
8
“I’m very innocent,” Thomas said immediately afterward, tapping his chest for emphasis. “I will appeal.”
He did not.
Pure gold. This is why I love reading Mikey P.'s columns. Just wish he was still working the Gotham beat.
He did not.
Pure gold. This is why I love reading Mikey P.'s columns. Just wish he was still working the Gotham beat.
21
Isiah Thomas is known in his hometown as a con man who leaves a trail of failure and destruction in his wake: CBA, Pacers, FIU, Knicks.
He and Dolan deserve each other.
He and Dolan deserve each other.
17
Dolan is the east coast version of Donald Sterling.
This is the first step to putting Isiah Thomas back in charge of the Knicks again. Dolan was willing to bring back Steve Mills as GM, the man who ignored Ms. Saunders accusations when he was president of the Knicks.
Now Dolan brings back the man who brought the Knicks to its lowest level in franchise history. The man who was found guilty of sexual harassment to run a WNBA team, and gives him a stake in the team to boot.
Letting Thomas run the Knicks again is the next logical step for a man with no conscience. If the WNBA board of governors approve of this hiring, they will be found not to have a conscience either.
Now Dolan brings back the man who brought the Knicks to its lowest level in franchise history. The man who was found guilty of sexual harassment to run a WNBA team, and gives him a stake in the team to boot.
Letting Thomas run the Knicks again is the next logical step for a man with no conscience. If the WNBA board of governors approve of this hiring, they will be found not to have a conscience either.
19
Just goes to show with enough money you can get away with anything.
4
So.....Isiah Thomas is the best person for job??????? Hard to believe.
14
"Thomas has proved himself a reliable judge of talent..."
Love the way you almost snuck that little piece of humor under the radar.
Love the way you almost snuck that little piece of humor under the radar.
8
The Liberty players and staff should strike in protest. Maybe Dolan would get the message then.
14
In basketball terms, who is a worse owner - Donald Sterling or James Dolan? Stern should have pulled the team from the Dolans in 2007 but blinked. Hopefully, Silver is not bound by nostalgia and realizes that the NBA needs a relevant NYC franchise. The man and what he has wrought have been a train wreck.
17
Your question is like asking, "which is worse - measles or mumps?"
9
Silver has called Dolan a quintessential New Yorker.
Does anyone know how we might engage the President of the WNBA in this discussion? The WNBA Players Union? WNBA Board of Governors? Would Liberty players please comment?
28
Terrifically told. Dolan believes that the rules - be they legal, moral or plain common-sensical -- just don't apply to billionaires like himself. If only someone in authority would disabuse him of that belief.
24
If there was ever a time for a professional league to step in and tell an owner he's wrong, it's now and the league is the WNBA.
For a team owner to be so stunningly ignorant is beyond the pale; no one should pay for a ticket to see this team until Thomas is removed. Convicted of sexually harassing an employee, then rehired to run a WOMAN'S basketball team? What kind of bizarro world does James Dolan live in?
For a team owner to be so stunningly ignorant is beyond the pale; no one should pay for a ticket to see this team until Thomas is removed. Convicted of sexually harassing an employee, then rehired to run a WOMAN'S basketball team? What kind of bizarro world does James Dolan live in?
41
Dolan lives in the world of the silver, no golden, spoon set who get to do whatever they want with virtually no consequences.
14
This may not sound very nice , but doing a complete investigation of Dolan, his business, and personal life is the only way the Knicks will be saved. Hire P.I.'s, let them dig up the dirt and after the information is found, have Dolan be forced out of sports. Wear body wire's , whatever to get the information you need. This sounds so terrible what I am suggesting but I am afraid this will be a long , bad ride with the Knicks for a long time if he is involved.
7
Thank you, thank you thank you Mr. Powell, your, "grown men wept," like had me falling off the couch laughing and I'm so glad that the piece ended with my first thought, 'he's being handed the ropes to the women's team?'
20
"Reliable judge of talent" was written ironically, right?
18
I don't know about that. I'm not even sure that Thomas was making player decisions when he was president of the Knicks or the team coach. But, regardless of his tenure with the Knicks, he has been praised recently as an adviser and talent evaluator by some of the teams he's been working with. He was after all, one of the best point guards in NBA history. That said, the women's game is completely different from the men's and I'm not sure how you can argue that his complete lack of experience with working with female basketball players qualifies him as a talent evaluator for the Liberty. It would seem, as others have overwhelmingly concluded, that the appointment of an executive with a history of proven sexual harassment to run a women's program, is simply another symptom of the King George-like madness of Mr. Dolan.
1
But Dolan is slick! By bringing Thomas into the WNBA, as a coach and owner,he hopes to show that Isaiah works extremely well with women and that the past "transgressions" (Dolan and Thomas) were pure fictions.
Finally, when the time is right, Isaiah is rewarded with his"rightful place" as a NY Knick.