Losing Isaiah - Why the Knicks Should Cut Their Losses Now

I do not know whether Isaiah Thomas sexually harassed Anucha Browne Sanders, but it sure looks that way. In everything that has been revealed throughout this sordid trial, down to Thomas' self-damaging deposition on the black man's authority to use the B word when referring to black women, leads me to think that he could be guilty, in addition to grossly conceited and inappropriate.

The jury's conviction suggests the same. And the Knicks should take action now. Avoiding continuous alignment with a now malevolent character who all the while irrelevantly hasn't been winning basketball games, causes them a whole lot of drama -- the kind that they could do without. If ever there was proof that not all publicity is good publicity this is it.

Chairman James Dolan appears guilty as well. More so of sexism and bad judgment in his decision to fire Anucha Browne Sanders when really the head coach should have been severely reprimanded.

But the problem for the Knicks, in NYC - this big diverse apple of the world - is that there are too many scenarios in how this could cost them a whole lot more than punitive damages in long run.

If the Knicks keep Isaiah they risk alienating their talent pool potential employees -especially women of diverse background. This sends a message that from the top down, women are demeaned, devalued and mistreated at MSG and if they continue to dig their heels and cry not guilty, without making some serious attempts to eradicate sexual harassment and discrimination from their workplace, they're only hurting themselves.

Second, if Isaiah stays on as head coach, other players, male executives at the Garden and throughout the NBA will see this as merely an unfortunate incident. Not a warning that they cannot and will not be allowed to treat the female coworkers they interact with in a derogatory way.

So just when does the pass on sexual harassment initiated by men in sports end? In a perfect world it should never begin in the first place, but MSG's determination to appeal and continue business as usual would be a grave mistake. Their brand image is tarnished. They must realize this and apologize, soon. Start on the road to rectifying their perceived image across the world. Not further irritate a demographic whose support of their industry is crucial. Women don't just watch WNBA games, you know. They like the NBA too, and they take their sons to the Garden; buy their husbands tickets to the Knicks and the Rangers for their 40^th birthdays.

Don't underestimate the power of the purse-strings James Dolan.

Many a Goliath has fallen for doing so. It'd be in the Knicks and MSG's best interests to release Isaiah now. Get working on revolutionizing their policies and procedures on sexual harassment, and start doing the work to show they can turn this disastrous ship around.

And what if they don't?

Well then they're no better than Don Imus, to me. And I won't be standing in any lines to see any shows, games, or other events at The Garden.

If you haven't noticed, whether its fighting for the civil rights of 6 teenagers in Jena, Louisiana, or battling in court to expose sexual harassment the years of apathy in the black community have ended.

We've woken up. So industry giants everywhere - clean up your practices. And please, don't even appear guilty, because if you are, the price for choosing to be obstinate and un-apologetic will be steep.