Isiah Thomas says he has discussed sexual harassment case with Liberty

Newly appointed New York Liberty president Isiah Thomas held his first press conference as a member of the organization Thursday.

Newly appointed New York Liberty president Isiah Thomas held his first press conference as a member of the organization Thursday and said he has discussed his history of sexual harassment with his players. 

In 2007, a jury ruled that the Knicks improperly fired former executive Anucha Browne Sanders after she complained Thomas had sexually harassed her. The Madison Square Garden Company paid Sanders $11.5 million in a settlement. Thomas was not found personally liable. 

"We were concerned, and we talked about it," Thomas said Thursday, according to the Associated Press. "At the end of the day you can only live your truth."

"I've always maintained my innocence, moved on from that. Our organization has moved on from that," Thomas added. "I'm proud of the way I lived my life."

• Report: Phil Jackson 'not happy' Knicks owner hired Isiah Thomas

Thomas was hired as president of the Liberty earlier this month and given a minority ownership stake in the team. The ownership move is pending WNBA approval. 

"It was great having that sit-down the other day to clear the air. We are all professionals and are focused on what happens on the court," Liberty guard Essence Carson said. "All the interaction I've had with him so far has been good."

Thomas was the Knicks' president of basketball operations from 2003–08 and the head coach from 2006–08. The Knicks never finished above .500 in Thomas's tenure and won more than 33 games only once. 

NBA executives "are convinced" Thomas accepted the Liberty job with the eventual goal of returning to the Knicks, Frank Isola of the New York Daily News​reports.

- Dan Gartland