Wednesday Isiah Thomas pulled out of his consulting contract with the Knicks, what with the whole “it violates league policy” thing.
Thursday, Thomas was set and had been promoted to appear on 1050 ESPN Radio in New York, doing a couple hours in studio and taking calls. But that went about as well as the consulting contract. Newsday has the story.
(Radio show host Michael) Kay left the air without explanation shortly after 4 and returned nearly an hour later, saying he had been involved in “intense” discussions with Thomas and 1050 executives.
At 5:45, Kay said Thomas would not be appearing, even though he still was on the floor on which the station’s studios are located near the Garden.
“It became clear to Isiah that the New York Knicks did not want him to go on,” Kay said. “I don’t believe that the Knicks see any good in Isiah coming on and Isiah Thomas has decided to honor that feeling by the Knicks and not come on.”
There is a certain paranoia that runs through Madison Square Garden that is amazing. This was not out of character for the Knicks. Thomas remains friends with Knicks owner James Dolan and wants back in the NBA, so he’ll bow to their request. Even though he doesn’t work for them and likely never will again.
Man, I feel sorry for Knicks fans.
