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Knicks Fire Coach Thomas

Patience finally runs out on woeful 'rebuilding' process at Madison Square Garden

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2008 5:18 PM CDT

(Newser) – Isiah Thomas was fired today as head coach of the New York Knicks, the Times reports. Team president Donnie Walsh said that Thomas will remain as an adviser, although he’ll have no direct responsibilities. The Knicks were 56-108 in his two seasons at coach; they've made little headway since Thomas was named team president in 2003 and tasked with rebuilding the franchise.

This season, which began with playoff hopes, was tainted by Thomas’ standoff with point guard Stephon Marbury, further sapping the team’s morale. Even outside of basketball, Thomas proved to be a $11.5 million liability last fall, when he and Madison Square Garden were found culpable in a sexual-harassment lawsuit.

New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas gestures while responding to questions during a news conference Wednesday, April 9, 2008, in New York, before the Knicks' NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets.
New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas gestures while responding to questions during a news conference Wednesday, April 9, 2008, in New York, before the Knicks' NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets....   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas leaves the court following a 132-123 loss to the Indiana Pacers in an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.
New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas leaves the court following a 132-123 loss to the Indiana Pacers in an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.   (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New York Knicks New York Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas pauses while responding to questions during a news conference Wednesday, April 9, 2008  in New York.
New York Knicks New York Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas pauses while responding to questions during a news conference Wednesday, April 9, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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