Isiah Thomas rescinds contract with Knicks
Basketball Betting Lines
08/11/2010 -
New York, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Less than a week after being named a
consultant for the New York Knicks, Isiah Thomas announced he has rescinded
the contract due to a violation of certain NBA bylaws.
Thomas was named a Knicks consultant last Friday and was expected to maintain
his position as head coach at Florida International University while serving
in a supportive role that was to include player recruitment and assisting
current team president Donnie Walsh in various capacities.
"Although I'm disappointed that Isiah will not be working with the Knicks as a
consultant, I continue to believe in his basketball knowledge, including his
ability to judge talent," said Knicks chairman James Dolan. "He's a good
friends of mine and of the organization, and I will continue to solicit his
views."
Those duties have apparently violated the conflict of interest rules between
collegiate and professional basketball.
"After speaking with commissioner [David] Stern and Knicks executives, it has
become apparent that my new agreement violates certain NBA bylaws," Thomas
said in a statement on Wednesday. "Because of this, I have decided to rescind
my contract with the team."
Thomas oversaw the Knicks' operations from 2003-08, a span that did not
include a postseason appearance.
"One of the biggest regrets of my life is that the Knicks didn't perform up to
the standards the fans had every right to expect while I was in charge,"
Thomas continued. "I take full responsibility for that. I was very much
looking forward to this unique opportunity to help the organization do what I
do best: find basketball talent. I wish the team nothing but success in the
future."
A Hall of Fame player with the Pistons from 1981-94, Thomas was a 12-time All
Star and two-time NBA champion during his illustrious career. In addition to
coaching the Knicks from 2006-08, he also coached the Pacers from 2000-03 and
has an all-time record of 187-223 in five seasons.
During his tenure in the Knicks' front office, the team never won more than 39
games and won fewer than 25 twice. Thomas' tenure with the Knicks was also
marred by the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former team executive Anucha
Browne Sanders.
Shortly after his time with New York ended, he was rushed to the hospital for
reportedly overdosing on sleeping pills. He has since been hired as the head
coach at FIU, where he went 7-25 in his first season in 2009-10.
"Although I'm disappointed that Isiah will not be working with the Knicks as a
consultant, I continue to believe in his basketball knowledge, including his
ability to judge talent," Dolan said. "He's a good friend of mine and of the
organization and I will continue to solicit his views. He will always have
strong ties to me and the team. We wish him continued success at FIU. I
also believe Donnie Walsh has done a terrific job since joining the Knicks
and my tremendous respect for him has only grown since he's joined the
organization. I'm confident that the work that Donnie, Coach Mike D'Antoni
and their staffs have done this summer has the team poised for long-term
success."
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“You play to win the game!”
Those are the words of notoriously intense head coach Herman Edwards. Unfortunately, from a bettors’ perspective, most coaches don’t feel that way about the NFL preseason. August is a time to evaluate young players, finalize the depth chart and pray your star players stay healthy.
The trick to making money during the exhibition schedule is identifying coaches – like Edwards – who can’t stand losing even when there's nothing on the line.
The New York Jets betting won 15 of 21 preseason games and went 14-7 against the spread (ATS) during Edwards’s five-year tenure with the club. In his first season as the Kansas City Chiefs field boss, the team improved from 0-4 to 2-2.
Identifying win-a-holics like Edwards is a good start if you plan betting the preseason – even though most say you shouldn’t ... but what the hell do they know anyway?
Here’s a brief rundown of two teams that have a habit of winning during the second-stringers’ season, and another club that has a good chance of exceeding this year.
New York Giants betting lines
Playing in the media hub of North America can be stressful but the press can’t write anything negative about the way Tom Coughlin’s boys play in the preseason. The Giants won and covered all four games last summer, improving their record to 7-1 both straight up (SU) and against the spread over the last two years.
Coughlin has shown he’s not afraid to give his starters more time in the second preseason game than most of his colleagues, no doubt one of the reasons his team has been so dominant.
Dallas Cowboys betting lines
Bettors can count on America’s team early on. The Cowboys are 14-6 both SU and ATS since 2002 in warm-up contests. Former coach Bill Parcells, the coach of the team the last four years, has an intimidating, in-your-face presence – surely a reason Dallas has had so much early success.
The Big Tuna won’t be strolling the sidelines with looks of disgust, but new coach Wade Phillips will be anxious to make a good first impression for owner Jerry Jones.
Dallas plays the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos before things get serious. They then face the Houston Texans in their third contest (the game starters see most game time) and finish off with the Minnesota Vikings.
Expect a Dallas team able to walk away with another 3-1 preseason record.
Oakland Raiders betting lines
This team scored a league-worst 12 offensive touchdowns last season, so the rookies and veterans each have something to prove. There’s a bounty of first-unit jobs up for grabs and plenty of bodies competing for those slots.
First-time head coach Lane Kiffin will be eager to impress an owner who employs the philosophy, “Just win, baby!”
The 32-year-old Kiffin has to command respect from a locker room full of players older than him. All of these factors should lead to purpose in preseason.
Don’t forget: before playing like a team that belonged in NFL Europe, Oakland went 4-1 (both SU and ATS) in exhibition games.
To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your football wagering needs. Mysportsbook.com online sportsbook accepts Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
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