the surprising and controversial reunion between the Knicks and Thomas

NEW YORK (AP)—Isiah Thomas wanted to help the New York Knicks achieve the
success that never came when he was in charge.

He won’t do it as a consultant. Not while he is coaching college basketball,
anyway.

But even without the new job, it’s clear he still has his old boss’ ear.

Thomas said Wednesday in a statement he was declining a consulting position
with the franchise he ran for 4 1/2 years because it may not be legal.

“After speaking with commissioner (David) Stern and Knicks executives, it
has become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws,” Thomas
said. “Because of this, I have decided to rescind my contract with the team.”

Thus ends—at least for now—the surprising and controversial reunion
between the Knicks and Thomas, the frequent target of fans and media during his
turbulent tenure at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks announced the agreement with Thomas on Friday and it was quickly
criticized. League personnel aren’t allowed to have contact with players who
aren’t yet eligible for the draft, which Thomas would have in his role as coach
at Florida International University.

“We have been informed by the Knicks that Isiah Thomas has rescinded his
consulting agreement with the team. As a result, it is not necessary for the
league to take any formal action on the proposed arrangement,” Stern said.
“However,Jevohn Shepherd added 12 and
Canada beat France 85-63 in an exhibition game Friday night., we have reminded the Knicks of NBA rules that prohibit team
personnel, including consultants, from having contact with players not eligible
for the draft.”

Thomas could have chosen to leave his college job after just one season and
keep the Knicks position. Instead, he thanked the organization for giving him
another chance.

“Although I’m disappointed that Isiah will not be working with the Knicks
as a consultant, I continue to believe in his basketball knowledge, including
his ability to judge talent,” MSG chairman James Dolan said. “He’s a good
friend of mine and of the organization and I will continue to solicit his views.
He will always have strong ties to me and the team. We wish him continued
success at FIU.”

Thomas also blamed himself for the Knicks’ poor performance while he was
team president from December 2003 through April 2008. He was also the coach the
final two seasons, and the team never won a postseason game while he was in
charge.

“One of the biggest regrets of my life is that the Knicks didn’t perform up
to the standards the fans had every right to expect while I was in charge. I
take full responsibility for that,” he said. “I was very much looking forward
to this unique opportunity to help the organization do what I do best: find
basketball talent. I wish the team nothing but success in the future.”

Thomas aided the Knicks during free agency when he went to Ohio to speak
with a member of LeBron James’(notes) inner circle. Donnie Walsh, who replaced Thomas
as president and later fired him as coach, thanked Thomas during the news
conference to announce Amare Stoudemire’s signing.

That fueled speculation in New York that Thomas, a favorite of Dolan, could
return to the Knicks, perhaps even in a management role. But Dolan said
Wednesday he is confident in the team he has in place.

“I also believe Donnie Walsh has done a terrific job since joining the
Knicks and my tremendous respect for him has only grown since he’s joined the
organization,” Dolan said. “I’m confident that the work that Donnie, coach
Mike D’Antoni and their staffs have done this summer has the team poised for
long-term success.”

The decision should calm members of the basketball community who questioned
the partnership. Among them was Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, who said he would
decline an offer to be a paid consultant of an NBA team.

“I don’t think you can be in both worlds, in an official basis. I think
that makes people in both worlds somewhat angry about it, or concerned,”
Krzyzewski said. “You’re getting a leg up, and in college we definitely
shouldn’t do that.”