Isiah, Sharpton To Hold Press Conference

Friday, November 2nd 2007, 9:08 pm

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) _ Isiah Thomas and Al Sharpton will hold a joint press conference Saturday, about a month after Sharpton threatened to lead protests against Madison Square Garden for remarks the Knicks' coach made about using derogatory language toward women.

A taped deposition played during a sexual harassment trial against Thomas and MSG showed the coach saying he made a distinction between a white man and a black one using the word 'bitch' toward a black woman. Thomas has repeatedly sought to clarify the remarks, saying he feels it's wrong for any male to use that language.

After Thomas and MSG lost in the trial, Sharpton said his National Action Network would protest Knicks home games unless Thomas apologized. Thomas and Sharpton spoke over the phone, with the coach stressing that the tape was edited in a manner that misconstrued his remarks.

The Knicks play their home opener Sunday night against Minnesota.

Rutgers women's coach C. Vivian Stringer also criticized Thomas for his remarks, but apologized after speaking to Thomas and getting his side of the story.