Steve Mills out as Knicks Prez
Frank Isola notes today that Steve Mills, the man behind the Isiah Thomas hiring, has been demoted.
Steve Mills was responsible for hiring both Isiah Thomas and Anucha Browne Sanders
so it was only a matter of time before Mills would be held accountable for one of the most embarrassing periods in Madison Square Garden history.
Today, Mills was replaced as president of Madison Square Garden sports by Scott O’Neil, who enjoyed a long stint with the NBA. A press release issued by the Garden said that “as part of the reorganization, Steve Mills becomes president, business operations, MSG Sports Teams, reporting to Mr. O’Neil.”
The Garden was held liable for sexually harassing Browne Sanders, a former top executive. Browne Sanders accused the Garden of firing her in retaliation for her complaints about the alleged harassment. The lawsuit alleged that after Browne Sanders’ lawyer told Madison Square Garden of her complaint, Madison Square Garden forced her out of work while it investigated the situation. Madison Square Garden says it fired Browne Sanders because of “an inability to fulfill professional responsibilities.” However, Mills had repeatedly given her glowing evaluations.
The trial caused a rift between Mills and Thomas, who continues to claim that he never sexually harassed Browne Sanders. Privately, Thomas blamed Mills for giving Browne Sanders too much power in the organization.
Ah, “Teflon” Steve Mills not making basketball decisions makes me feel so much better. I never understood why he was devoid of any blame, but he was as guilty as anyone for the organization’s downfall.
Put a check mark in Donnie Walsh’s column.
