ISIAH THOMAS says he sexually harassed no one. Period. End of story. So why does the hoops legend look so guilty?
The Knicks president yesterday declared himself a mensch – and insisted he’s the victim of an extortion plot.
But then, Thomas proceeded to follow a well-worn script that’s been used, time and again, by sexual harassers everywhere.
I can recite it in my sleep. There are four, simple rules for making yourself look guilty of sexually tormenting someone of the female persuasion.
Rule No. 1 – Come out armed for bear.
Thomas bounded before the press flanked by no fewer than two high-priced lawyers, one well-paid executive, and at least three professional public-relations people.
This, to refute charges he sexually harassed a woman. One woman.
No. 2 – Don’t look at me.
Thomas said he ignored advice to keep his mouth shut. He wanted to speak publicly so he might “look all of you in the eye” and deny the charges, said his lawyer, Peter Parcher.
But Thomas looked at the table. Out the window – anywhere except in my eye as he refuted charges he told a woman executive that he loved her, wanted to have sex with her, and finally, fired her.
No. 3 – Change the subject.
Thomas boomed, “I will not allow her or anybody else, man or woman, to use me as a pawn for their financial gain.”
Then, the switcheroo.
“My job is and always has been to get the New York Knicks back to their championship days, and that is where my focus will remain.” We’ll be the judge of that, pal.
No. 4 – Take no questions!
Spiel done, Thomas sped out of the room. Earlier, Thomas’ accuser, Anucha Browne Sanders, also spoke to the media.
I have no idea if she’s telling the truth. But when I met her afterward, she looked me in the eye – though she’s a 6-foot-1 giantess, and I’m a 5-foot-3 shrimp.
“It’s outrageous,” she told me, as lawyers tensed.
“Outrageous.” Then she let out a bitter laugh.
“I complained, and they fired me. It’s a crazy time,” she said, explaining the laugh.
Are we being used in an extortion plot?
It goes with the script that Thomas’ camp reached instantly for an ulterior motive, rather than deal with the charges. They changed the subject.
I can’t imagine why one of the highest-ranking women in all of professional sports would toss away her career, make herself a target, in the hope of winning a few bucks.
But that’s me.
This has just begun.