The Knicks Fix

Alan,

Thanks for answering my question reqarding what steps Stern might take or can take. I certainly hope you are correct. Good reporting.

thanks for the audio alan, worked like a charm.

nice to hear eddy and zach talking about "doing whatever it takes" and david lee saying all the right things in terms of staying positive.

whoever asked that question to Q doesn't seem to think demetris nichols is going to make the cut. it will be interesting to see how a team goes from 20 to 15 in a matter of weeks.

BY the way Alan there is also a decent ESPN article on whether Stern can or can't or even has the power to take such a measure against Thomas-- meaning a suspension. The article is hyperlinked in a prior posting comment section of yours.

Let's GO Knicks! Go NY Go NY GO!

Alan, great job on the audio and I know you would have posted earlier if you could. It was really strange not seeing an update from you.

Please try and post some pictures if you can. Specifically, Curry, Randolph, Crawford and James. We've been hearing mixed things on these guys and we need some solid proof!

Keep up the great work.

I hear you on LaGuardia by the way, that airport can get kind of medieval, time to modernize that puppy--wifi is a must for airports in late 2007.

This is NYC we're talking about.

Like how both Zack and Eddy recognize the sacrifices both will have to make to co-exist. What was interestng was that Zack seemed to take his pairing with Eddy as no big deal b/c he had previously played with Zedonis Ilgauskas. Lee seemed to be making an implicit pitch for coaching consistency,... which Dictators like Stern ought to heed if they want one of the flagship franchises of the NBA to start to shine and become a championship contender once again.

I fly a lot and it takes four of my little friends Jack to brace myself for the landing at LGA. What a piece of crap airport for a big time city.

The court of public opinion will roast Zeke if he is guilty. That is my fear.

I may be the sole dissenter, but I don't see how he survives in NY with a sexual harassment verdict once the special interest people catch wind of another Mike Vick opportunity.

Cooley you high

"Rush, you've got this knack for demeaning our players and we all have favorites and some of our players have flaws"

What the F is u saying? Is this about me knocking Jeffries? It must be because he is the only Knick player I don't like. The way you make it sound as if I hate all the Knicks players.

Anyway what is it about Jeffries that everybody likes? I think he reminds you of losers like youself and thats why you like him. He is just like you Cooley, running around clueless and without any purpose.

General,

What you're saying is certainly plausible considering the direction of the trial as of this evening, but with a dictator like James Dolan in command, I'm not sure how likely any major changes to the organization are at this point. He was stubborn enough to go to trial when he was being advised to settle (last I heard he wasn't strapped for cash) so Dolan would have to have a change of heart with regard to Isiah and from all signs he still likes Isiah very much.

I've been hanging this blog in my browser all day, waiting for a report.

Worth the wait. Thanks, Alan.

I'm inclined to believe that Stern will have something to say about the Zeke case - unless it goes into OT (appeal), at which point he'll probably clam up so as not to taint the appeal.

Stern's amde too big a deal about cleaning up the league in the past few years, and given the chance he'll weigh in one way or another.

I'm hoping it's some kind of symbolic gesture - I don't know whether Stern has standing (IANAL), but it's too big a target for him not to take a shot at.

everything was great, but could you post some pictures too?

General:

Read your response in the previous post. Thanks for getting back to me. Correct,... there may be women's right's advocates and the media may treat them like media darlings. This is were b/c the decision has such a weak foundation, namely it was a jury decision based on a preponderance and not beyond a reasonable doubt and b/c ABS herself had lots of dirty laundry,... that people might not easily rally around it. This is were fixers and all people concerned about what it will mean for the young knicks team and our excellent talent scout Isiah should insist on the dubiousness of the factual determination reached by the jury.

Fixers:

Yet again

Two links from a previous post that discuss whether Stern can take action against Dolan, who cares, and Thomas.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-28-85/Punishing-Isiah.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2007/09/16/2007-09-16_nba_commisioner_david_stern_could_come_a.html

Sorry for this inconvenience, I just wanted you guys to have this info accessible in order to make up your own minds.

Alan

Thanks for the drugs we fixers have been jonsing for.We care about THE BASKETBALL KNICKS. Most of us wish the off-court stuff would just disappear so we could ball again.
Please note that most of us on the blog feel DNICK is going to be a force to deal with also,as Q said.

check out the new starburys in orange and blue. i'll be buying a pair once those drop.

http://www.msg.com/photogallery.jsp?galleryID=89&photoID=886

jamal does look like he put on 15lbs. hope it HELPS his game.

zbo looks the same, but alan will probably give us more on that tomorrow.

Here’s what I don’t get. Sexual harassment needs to be taken seriously. I don’t just dismiss the charges against Isiah and MSG as easily as many do who write here. Ultimately, when this trial started, at least, I didn’t have any reason to believe either side more than the other.

But now that it looks like Isiah/MSG will be found guilty of harassment, so many of the newspapers describe the place the same way: MSG is like “Animal House” in sneakers. Where crude language is used regularly. (Oh, NO . . . not crude language! How could they?)

Where did she think she was working, the Vatican? Again, if Sanders was genuinely harassed, then Isiah should be punished. But this is why I thought the harassment suit would get thrown out and, if anything, she’d win on wrongful dismissal. Because I thought it was going to be too hard to draw the line between normal, locker room street language/humor . . . and abusive behavior. (Better keep Mark away, his high-brow sensitivities might get offended.)

I gotta believe LOTS’A things go on behind the scenes in pro basketball, baseball, football, etc. that you wouldn’t want happening at your mom’s for Sunday dinner.

Alan – help us out here. Isn’t it a little naïve to think of any professional sports organization as a model of decorum? Hell, didn’t anybody read “Ball Four”?

You’ve hung around a few professional sports organizations in your day. Is MSG any more or any less crass than the others? Were you aware of a culture of foul/abusive behavior from what you witnessed? OR . . . is it safe to assume that most locker rooms are pretty raunchy places . . . except maybe Utah, of course.

One of the writers said it well – it’s probably not the kind of place you’d want your daughter to work. OK, I buy that . . . but what’s nice about the legal system was that, inevitably, ALL the dirty laundry comes out. On BOTH sides. So even though it looks like IT will be found guilty . . . I certainly have less respect for Sanders today than I did when all this started. Her case looks pretty cynical, in retrospect.

If we’re lucky, we can put the trial behind us soon, and get onto better things . . . like basketball. But I’m interested in hearing your impressions, Alan – and all the regular Fixers – after we’ve all been looking through the keyhole together the last few weeks.

Alan, either the quality of the audio was poor or the quality of my computer sound system is inadequate. Either way, I couldn't understand the tapes. Thanks.

So far the following is the best legal interpretation I have found of yesterday's court action:
possible result of juror question

Thanks Alan for the space & the audio.

Hey,

In all the discussions this summer, regards to Eddy Curry and Z-Bo will or wont work together, we forgot to mention that Zach Randolph played with other big mans as Sabonnis, Sheed, and others. Of course Curry is a diferent player from Sheed and even for Arvidas Sabonnismm wich has a tremendous ability to pass, but I'm more confident now.

Thanks for the audio Alan. This is great stuff!!

Sounds like Curry and Zach are ready for war !!!

Best thing about it is they are going to war TOGETHER!!!

Like Lee said...this year is going to be incredible. I truly believe we will have an even bigger turn around than Toronto did last year.

I love our chances this year.

"Thomas, who skipped the team's preseason media day to await a verdict, spent lunch hour battling a friend at a coin-flipping contest on an outdoor terrace.

He exulted when he went up 3-0 in the game requiring players to call heads or tails.

"I'm killing this guy," bellowed Thomas, a 12-time All-Star. "I'm beating him up."

Browne Sanders ate lunch at a Thai restaurant on Baxter St., where she sat across the dining room from Judge Lynch."

Are you serious?

This is something that we need to just get over with. If the jury is going to find us guilty, I wish they would just come out and say it so Thomas can get down to SC.

All of these negative things going on right now is only good news for the long run. Once we make it to the Eaastern Conference Finals...they will show how bad we've been for the last 5 years and how we turned it around in record time.

Fine...we are guilty of sexual assault. Let's get to some basketball.

It shall be well!

Those were great clips. Thanks for giving us what we need and ask for. Top of the line.

Some interviews from media day, on YouTube: http://br.youtube.com/profile?user=MSGOnline

Nice job Alan. I read your entry before bed because I just couldn't go to sleep without my fix. I haven't had a chance to hear the audio but from the comments, it seems like you held it down.

i can't wait to get home to listen to it so I have to figure out how to put them on my phone and take a walk around the block or something.

i thought there would be a story to read this morning. here's to hoping you get one down soon.

The summer must've been good for Vescey. He actually sounds mostly positive about the Knicks and the season. On the opposite side of the spectrum is Mitch Lawrence. This guy doesn't do anything but spit venom. What an azz. Alan I can't wait to get home and listen to the clips. Thanks for hookin us up.

People should read this story

LNJ LNY -

The audio worked fine. just make sure you don't have any fans running or clocks ticking and then hold the speaker to your ear and you can make out almost all of the words.

I have a laptop though so it might be easier for me.

Trane
I agree that no one shoud be subject to sexual harrasment, however, I don't believe Anucca for a moment! Logic will tell you you don't go from calling someone a bitch and Ho to declaring your love for that person! There are more holes in that senario then pock marks in Mitch lawrence's face! Be that it may lets put this all behind us and go win some hoop games!

Berger's interview with Marbury was interesting to me, not only because it explained perhaps Marbury's mind set over the summer during his "bizarre" moments on tape, but because it suggested much about what he DIDN'T do this summer. Here's what I mean, by his account, he had a spiritual awakening this past summer: "giving himself to Jesus". Now as we know from past experience, nothing is quicker out of the publicist's playbook than the old "back to Jesus". Its the Get Out of Jail Free Card for every idiot in the public space who gets into trouble. John McCain's thinking of becoming a Baptist, and thinks only christians can be president. Can Britteny be far behind? But Marbury doesn't want to talk about it, he's cryptic about it, views it as a personal thing. His actions following this awakening are public, and he is clear on what he intends these actions to do - help kids, help firefighters, etc... but he has been consistent in keeping it at that. He's not scoring points for Jesus, shielding himself against criticism with a holy cloak. His testimony was straightforward and unapologetic - presumably, the apologies were due to his wife, and I'll be Moral Guy by saying he took advantage of that girl and shame on him - he knew this was coming and he could have innoculated himself and his image all summer by making a big show of holiness. "That was the bad old Marbury, before I let Jesus into my life, blah, blah, blah" Though I sinned, judge me now on my new sanctified self. So though Marbury is perhaps deeply weird (more power to him) and has had a long strange trip of a life, all in only 30 years, he seems to be taking a real crack at awakening to himself. Whatever form his spirituality takes, or anyones for that matter, is immaterial. What is important is that the person begin that honest assesment of the self. I think back to the press conference after Katrina hit New Orleans when he was openly weeping, really shattered, recalling what he'd seen. I think something cracked then, there was the beginning of compassion in a guy who was always "me and mine against the world". I think between the lines, and by that I mean, in NBA business, he's as ruthless as ever - ABS sure got a piece of that concerning his cousin and tickets etc..., so it aint all champagne and strawberries. I'm not saying he's a saint, and he could be a grade A asshole , don't know, not my call, but its interesting that he's not using his new faith cynically. And here's hoping that this season he'll take greater joy in his teammates success than in his own. If that is the case, playoffs are just the beginning.

SJ ...I agree, I could care less about the trial, I am a basketball fan. I watch sports to escape politics but on those occasions when politics trickle into my sports, I ignore it , I tune it out like I tune out my wife when she wants to talk about the drapes during the fourth quarter of a close game. My love of basketball over-powers any politics...don't care who did what to whom. I never read an article regarding this trial and the outcome doesn't matter.

I've never seen a knick team in my era with as many "talented young players" as this young group that have played together for only 2 years (1 year if you don't count the Larry Brown season) Some folks hate isiah so much that it takes away from their love of the knicks. They end up discussing him more than the team...

they dont see the potential of the individual talent and the possibilities , if that talent meshes.

I have hope because I've become optimistic after watching the individual talent and if anyone watches a few highlight reels on y-o-u-t-u-b-e of each player not the team but each individual player then you might open your minds to the positive possibilities.

question? if the team has a successful season and even goes deep in the playoffs will you give isiah his due or will still hold on to that anger, that is the question we should ask ourselves.

Radio report by Andrew Marchand, states that the Juror's have found Thomas liable for sexual harrasment, and Dolan for retaliation. Thomas was not found liable of retaliation and the jury has still not been able to reach a decision on punitive damages. No punitives on Isiah Thomas.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/basketball/nba/10/02/isiah.trial.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

Isiah has been found guilty of harassment, as has MSG.

Damages are now being considered by the jury.

Stern will now evaluate whether any punishment is due either Dolan or Thomas.

Great way to start the basketball season for Knicks fans. How does one separate passion for their team, and dislike for its management?

David:

"How does one separate passion for their team, and dislike for its management?"

The way I answer that question is the same for my distinction between the American People and the Current American Administration. No doubt there are alot of Americans that leave alot to be desired, which could be analogized to Marbury's off court shenanigans but the greater whole of the people and the greater part of the talent base of this young Knicks team is what we all can fell positive about. Thomas is unique case b/c he in a way is part of the Administration, and at a very high position in the administration. But Thomas is more like a general ordered to act in the face of Governmental deception and baffoonery-- like Bush and the right wings push for the war in Iraq. Our players have been deployed in a very unpleasant environment but regardless of what we think about the administration the vast majority of Americans support the Troops.

I know bad analogy, Everrett, go correct me fire and brim stone A$$whole.

real busy at work this week and the next but willis, that break down of stephon and his summer was spot on. you took the thoughts from my mind, unraveled them and put them in better order then i could have. thanks.

ESPN Report by Nick Marchand, Thomas rallied reporters and made a clear emphatic unquivocal statement that he "is innocent" and that he intends to appeal to clear his name.

Thomas' our boy is a fighter, from the mean streets of Chicago, he wont' take it lying down.

Go NY Go NY Go!!!!!!!!

THOMAS WILL APPEALL THIS CASE, HE CLAIMED TO REPORTERS, "HE IS INNOCENT." THE GARDEN WILL ALSO APPEAL.

I just watched Thomas make a statement in front of the courthouse minutes ago. He stated that he is innocent of all charges and WILL APPEAL EVERY SINGLE ONE!
THANK GOD!

Verdict in.

Isiah guilty. No punitive damages for him but MSG will pay.

He lost the case when they picked the jury. How are you going to have a jury full of caucasians when the two people involved are african american? talk about fair and impartial.

whatever. this'll be held up in appeal's and she'll have to wait a good long while before she sees her money. as for her job, does she get that back?

hindsight is 20/20, but Dolan should have settled. He's got the cash, considering the way he throws it around to make players appear and then disappear and then possibly reappear.

we'd be talking about training camp right now instead of the trial which has nothing to do with basketball. i hope the decision that comes out today is a just one, then I hope we can move on from there because ABS isn't Knicks basketball imo.

When does isiah get to join the team? would a suspension by stern, if there ever were a suspension by stern, start now or during the regular season?

Thanks for the audio links.

I just want to echo a few posters regarding being optimistic for the upcoming season. Damn, from where I sit the Knicks not only have some of the best talent in the league, which is now going to benefit from another season of working together, but the team also has, without qualification, the best evaluator of draft talent anywhere. Combine that with a coach that clearly has the attention and respect of each team member and an ownership that is willing to provide the resources when needed (I'm trying to keep it positve here), the 2007-2008 season is going to be a breakthrough.

Here's to the Knicks rejoining the NBA playoffs for a new run of consecutive appearances that will almost certainly involve the Conference Finals and beyond.

Let's rock'n roll!

It is amazing that someone would say that an all-Caucasian jury would make this process unfair. Both lawyers had equal say in the jury selection and this is the jury they picked.

Newsflash -- Anucha is Black. And the jury could have chosen to believe Isiah when he said he did NOT speak badly of his white season ticket holders, instead of believing Anucha that he did.

BARF--I'm sure she never wanted her job back, just the revenge and Dolan'$ money.

How does one separate passion for their team, and dislike for its management?

It's easy once you give it a try.

I've been doing it for years - I have friends, long-time NYK fans, former season ticket holders, who say they will not even consider paying attention to the team until the Dolans are no longer associated with it.

Me? I can't stand the Dolans (I do not know of any organization less capable of running a sports franchise, or even less deserving of owning one), but I separate the ownership and just watch the games.

I wasn't in the court room, and you can pick-up things from being there as Lives so rightly pointed out. But I do not believe for one minute she was being harrassed.
The only ones that know for sure are Isiah and Anucha. The media have a big part to play in all this. There are only a chosen few that think for themselves. The others rely on the media(be it consciously or unconciously) to form their opinions for them. Some think that anything they see in print is true.
Karma would take care of that, let's move on!
The season has started!

Peace - I agree - huge holes in her case. But that's where this gets so murky, because there are huge holes in MSG's defense, as well. I wasn't the first one to say it, but it's been clear for a long time that nobody was going to come out of this a winner. Sanders may have officialy won, but if I were her, I couldn't hold up my head in public, with any kind of self-respect.

Frankly, I"m angry at all them. Because it's going to be a miracle for none of this to affect the team -- especially a team with so many young players. And just when we'd gotten to the point we could expect an exciting season.

What tends to be true in situations like this is that nobody is 100% guilty and nobody is 100% innocent. The most plausible explanation I've heard for all of this is that Isiah may have thought she was After his job/President. (And for all we know, she may have been after his job, just as Brown was.) In THAT case, this is just office politics. But then, we dont' know what he said and did . . . It's going to be interesting to see what can be done to shift the focus - of the TEAM and of the PUBLIC - back to basketball. . . and how long it will take . . .

this article starts off strong but then fizzles.
I'm out.

I'm glad this whole ABS bull is done, now I.T can get back to the team and get us that championship that this team I feel can take it all the way! GET US ARTEST and i'll go as far as to say 2peat!

GO KNICKS BABY!