Women's Sports Foundation launches petition to block Isiah Thomas as part-owner of Liberty

While there may be no changing the fact that Isiah Thomas is the new president of the New York Liberty of the WNBA, at least one organization wants to make sure he doesn't get an ownership stake in the team.

Thomas was named the team's new president on May 5, a decision that shocked many. The WNBA's Board of Governors is reviewing the hire and still have to approve the minority ownership stake Thomas was given.

The Women's Sports Foundation has created an online petition at change.org in an attempt to block Thomas' ownership, asking the WNBA take note of Thomas' alleged history of sexual harassment. From the petition:

It is incomprehensible that a man found guilty of sexual harassment -- and who shows no public remorse -- will serve as a leader of a women’s sports team.

The WNBA Board of Governors will soon decide if Thomas can become a part-time team owner. We implore them to show the league’s millions of supporters worldwide that they respect women from their executive suites to their season ticket holders to their youngest fans. Please sign this petition if you call to deny Mr. Thomas' ownership of the New York Liberty.

A 2007 jury found the Madison Square Garden Company liable for $11.6 million in damages after a sexual harassment lawsuit was brought against them based on Thomas' behavior while president of the New York Knicks. MSG employee Anucha Browne Sanders had accused Thomas of sexual harassment and the company of wrongful termination in the wake of her accusations.

Because the judgment went against the company and not him personally, Thomas has maintained his innocence.

While the Liberty players have been diplomatic about the hire, the collective eye-roll at the hire - which reportedly includes current Knicks president Phil Jackson - is entirely understandable.