Does Anyone (Besides the Jurors) Think This Is Worth $11.6M - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

al76slc · #1 10-02-2007, 03:30 PM

ISIAH THOMAS FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Associated Press

October 2, 2007 -- A federal jury has decided that Madison Square Garden and its chairman must pay $11.6 million in damages to former New York Knicks executive Anucha Browne Sanders over her harassment lawsuit.

A verdict earlier Tuesday found that Knicks coach Isiah Thomas had sexually harassed Browne Sanders, subjecting her to unwanted advances and a barrage of verbal insults, but also said he does not have to pay punitive damages.

But the jury did find that Madison Square Garden committed harassment against the woman, and decided that she is entitled to punitive damages from MSG.

The jury found that the Garden owes $6 million for allowing a hostile work environment to exist and $2.6 million for retaliation. MSG chairman James Dolan owes $3 million.

Browne Sanders came out of the courtroom beaming but did not immediately comment.

The Garden said it would appeal.

After an ugly, three-week trial, the verdict gives Thomas a partial victory in the $10 million lawsuit filed by Anucha Browne Sanders.

The jury did find that Madison Square Garden committed harassment against the woman, and decided that she is entitled to punitive damages from MSG.

U.S. District Judge Gerard E. Lynch called it an "eminently reasonable" verdict and began a 20-minute long punitive penalty presentation in early afternoon. Then the jury resumed deliberations.

"I'm innocent, very innocent, and I did not do the things she has accused me in this courtroom of doing," Thomas said afterward. "I'm extremely disappointed that the jury did not see the facts in this case. I will appeal this, and I remain confident in the man that I am and what I stand for and the family that I have."

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10022007/news/regionalnews/isiah_thomas_found_guilty_of_s.htm

TheDon · #2 10-02-2007, 03:41 PM

*****

Kuan · #3 10-02-2007, 03:58 PM

I'm sure we know less than the jury.

al76slc · #4 10-02-2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

*****

That will cost you big time!!!

tankdriver · #5 10-02-2007, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by al76slc

but also said he does not have to pay punitive damages.

lol.
Yeah 11.6mil is not punitive.

t walgamuth · #6 10-02-2007, 05:55 PM

I always thought Isaiah was a jerk.

I don't believe anything he says.

Tom W

BENZ-LGB · #7 10-02-2007, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

*****

So, how much much money would you pay not to be harrased, sexually or otherwise, at work?

BENZ-LGB · #8 10-02-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankdriver

lol.
Yeah 11.6mil is not punitive.

Big difference, at least to Mr. Thomas and MSG.

Non-punitive damages are usually covered by insurance.

Punitive damages cannot be covered by insurance, thus it would have been Mr. Thomas and MSG paying the money out of their respective pockets.

Big dfifference.

BENZ-LGB · #9 10-02-2007, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuan

I'm sure we know less than the jury.

Well said.

MTI · #10 10-02-2007, 06:10 PM

The quote indicates that MSG was held liable for punitive/exemplary damages, but not Thomas. Apparently a mistrial was declared on whether Thomas should be liable for punitives since the jury was unable to reach a verdict on that element.

The Newsday article is a bit more complete

TheDon · #11 10-02-2007, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

So, how much much money would you pay not to be harrased, sexually or otherwise, at work?

people need to suck it up and move on.. bunch of money grubbing whiners...

plus.. I would have said "100 million billiondy dollars" -holds pinky to side of mouth-

MTI · #12 10-03-2007, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

people need to suck it up and move on.. bunch of money grubbing whiners...

plus.. I would have said "100 million billiondy dollars" -holds pinky to side of mouth-

Especially if you were fired from your $260K/YR job in retaliation.

mwood · #13 10-03-2007, 01:27 AM

Damn, I wish someone would harass me!

peragro · #14 10-03-2007, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwood

Damn, I wish someone would harass me!

Hey there sailor!!

cmac2012 · #15 10-03-2007, 03:00 AM

I never liked that Thomas dude but I'd gladly put up with some harrassment from him for 1/10th that amount.

That said, I'm sure it's way demeaning and a PITA. I'm thinking a few hundred K would be more than enough, if there was never any forced contact, actual physical contact.