Woman wins $11.6 million in Garden lawsuit

A jury on Tuesday found that New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas sexually harassed a former marketing executive and that Madison Square Garden fired her in retaliation for complaining that Thomas had made unwanted advances toward her and had subjected her to insults.

By From News Services

Last update: October 2, 2007 - 11:29 PM

The New York jury, in federal district court in Manhattan, also ruled that the former executive, Anucha Browne Sanders, is entitled to $11.6 million in punitive damages from the Garden and James L. Dolan, the chairman of Cablevision, the parent company of the Garden and the Knicks.

Of that figure, $6 million was awarded because of the hostile work environment Thomas was found to have created, and $5.6 million because Browne Sanders was fired for complaining about it. Dolan's share is $3 million; the Garden is liable for the rest.

Jurors were not able to agree on whether Browne Sanders should be paid damages by Thomas.

Afterward, Thomas addressed the media and said he was innocent, and that he would appeal the decision. Officials from the Garden also called the jury's verdict "incorrect" and said they would appeal.

Browne Sanders has asked for an additional $9.6 million in compensatory damages, which the judge will rule on in coming weeks. She said Tuesday's decision was important for herself, and also for "women who don't have the means and couldn't possibly have done what I was able to do."

Phoenix

Suns center Amare Stoudemire had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. A loose particle that caused inflammation was removed from Stoudemire's knee. He is expected to resume basketball activities in two to three weeks.

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