Steve Francis said he's used to being made the scapegoat and said he believes he's being made one in New York, the New York Post is reporting.

"You want to be able to step up and take responsibility for things," Francis said at yesterday's morning shoot-around before the Knicks lost to the Hornets, 92-90, last night.

"When things aren't going well, who else would be the donkey that they pin the tail on than myself? It's been like that since I've been here."

Isiah Thomas lashed out at Francis during Thursday's video session, where the Knicks coach/president didn't feel the Knicks got center Eddy Curry enough touches in the post in their disappointing 104-94 loss to Toronto.