Three high-ranking Madison Square Garden officials surrounded Isiah Thomas following Wednesdays's practice, forming what looked like a protective cocoon for the Knicks' president and head coach.
The presence of Garden president Steve Mills, vice chairman Hank Ratner and vice president of communications Barry Watkins could easily be viewed as a sign of solidarity as well as a show of support for Thomas, who one day earlier was found responsible for sexually harassing former Garden executive Anucha Browne Sanders. Mills, Ratner and Watkins all testified in the trial.
Conspicuously absent was Garden chairman James Dolan, who in previous years has attended at least one of the Knicks' training sessions at the College of Charleston. Dolan, who has come under fire after a Manhattan jury ruled against Thomas and the Garden, has yet to comment publicly on Thomas' job status since Tuesday's verdict.