A spokesperson of Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia has denied the recent report that Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas will have a front office position, per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. Furthermore, Thomas isn’t part of the team’s ownership transition, but he holds friendship ties with the new Suns’ governor.
This clarification came in just after an hour when TNT’s Chris Haynes delivered Tuesday that Ishbia will give Thomas a “prominent role” in the franchise brass. Haynes’ report quickly drew a reaction from Phoenix’s supporters, who developed embattled sentiments regarding Thomas in the social media circle.
Despite having golden success as a player, Thomas’ time and credibility as an executive are generally being questioned and criticized. He was notorious for his time in the New York Knicks, worsening the team’s competitive status while being centered on sexual harassment lawsuit.
In 2006, Thomas and Madison Square Garden has slapped a sexual harassment lawsuit by Anucha Browne Sanders. The suit claimed that Thomas sexually harassed Sanders, as the female executive was fired by the Knicks in retaliation for her complaints about this alleged harassment. Eventually, Sanders won the case, with the lawsuit settled for $11.5 million.
With the Suns looking to maintain its place as a contender, having Thomas could disturb the safe space of team employees as well as club’s composure to compete. As such, Phoenix supporters can now take a sigh of relief with this latest report.