Thomas’ Trial Begins

Isiah Thomas has had troubles on the court in recent years, but now he’s got troubles in court—federal court, to be specific. The [sexual harassment trial] for the New York Knicks’ head coach and president of basketball operations began yesterday [with jury selection](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/11/sports/basketball/11isiah.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin), a process which is scheduled to be wrapped up this afternoon.

In January 2006, ex-Knicks senior vice president Anucha Browne Sanders filed suit against Thomas, alleging “demeaning and repulsive behavior” that included unwanted advances and regular cursing. Sanders was fired by Madison Square Garden officials after she went through internal channels to try to solve the problem, and she is seeking $9.6 million in damages.

Although few of the 14 potential jurors had any deep knowledge about Thomas, or the case, yesterday’s jury selection did have several intriguing moments. Robert Becker, a 28-year-old engineer from the Bronx, was rejected for his belief that a disproportionate number of basketball players get into trouble similar to Thomas’s. Another juror, Irene Ray, a 58-year-old part-time receptionist, said she recognized Stephon Marbury, the Knicks’ shooting guard who was said to have made vile comments about Browne Sanders, as the player “with the [$15 sneakers].” Marbury is expected to testify during the trial.

Of course, the suit could be a good thing for the team. Owner James Dolan has [refused to fire] the embattled coach, despite his on-court and front-office failures. But a guilty verdict here might just change his mind, and subsequently the fortunes of the Knicks.