Report: Isiah Thomas Angling For Billy Hunter’s Job


Many members of the media have been writing and saying that Billy Hunter may be on his way out as Executive Director of the Players Association once the lockout concludes, and if that is indeed true, the NY Post is reporting that one familiar man is looking to take that job: “How many would be stunned to learn Florida International University’s current head coach is angling in due course to replace the executive director of the Players Association should its membership feel flogged (compromised following so many compromises) by David Stern upon the completion of a new collective bargaining agreement or if negotiations again break down and additional salary (games) get forfeited? How many would be surprised to find out [Isiah] Thomas, a former president of the union during his playing days, is coiled to commandeer the slightest insinuation of instability and insurgence? Let’s see a show of hand. According to a pretty piped-in informant, skulking and stalking are exactly what Thomas has been doing as [Billy] Hunter tries not to lose further frontage to one clearly identified Nor’easter after another: Namely, commissioner Stern stage-managed by 29 owners; players poised to push for immediate decertification if a deal can’t be struck during this extensive bargaining session; weighty agents counseling clients that leadership is limp; and growing frustration among even Hunter’s staunchest supporters. It’s impossible to conceal such stress and strain.”