Tom Thibodeau stated the Knicks vetted Rick Brunson like every other worker however wouldn’t disclose if the group investigated allegations of harassment and sexual abuse levied in opposition to the assistant coach.
“I would say in general — our organization is going to vet everyone,” Thibodeau stated Tuesday. “That’s normal protocol now. I’m not exactly sure everything that was done. When they hire anyone, they’re going to vet him. That’s corporate America.”
Thibodeau added that Brunson, who was employed within the offseason, is a longtime buddy and, “I’m very comfortable with who he is. …I feel very strongly about him.”
Pressed additional about whether or not the group investigated particular accusations, Thibodeau redirected the query to group president Leon Rose, who wasn’t made accessible by the Knicks. Rose hasn’t addressed unbiased media in over a 12 months and wasn’t requested about Brunson’s previous in an interview with MSG Network, which is owned by James Dolan.
In 2014, Brunson, now 50, was charged with sexual assault of a masseuse in Illinois after allegedly utilizing the identify of his former Knicks teammate, Patrick Ewing, to ebook the appointment. Brunson testified it was a consensual sexual act as a part of an ongoing extramarital relationship. He was discovered not responsible.
Four years later, Brunson resigned as assistant coach of the Timberwolves amid allegations of “improper interactions” towards girls whereas he was on the job, in keeping with The Athletic.
Brunson was then out of the NBA for 4 years till taking a spot on Thibodeau’s bench. In between, he coached Camden High School to a State championship in New Jersey.
“With all their employees they’re going to do the same thing. That’s part of getting hired here,” Thibodeau stated. “You have to remember — he was hired in Minnesota. He was in high school. He’s here. I’m comfortable. I know who he is.”
Brunson’s connections to the Knicks are deep. He performed for the franchise as a backup level guard beneath Jeff Van Gundy. He was the primary NBA shopper of Leon Rose, who was a longtime agent earlier than heading the Knicks entrance workplace. Brunson served as an assistant beneath Thibodeau at two earlier spots – Chicago and Minnesota. His son, Jalen, is now the Knicks’ place to begin guard after signing a four-year, $104 million deal in free company.
A Knicks consultant stated the group has nothing so as to add about Brunson’s hiring past Thibodeau’s statements.
Earlier this week, the Celtics suspended head coach Ime Udoka for one season amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a feminine group worker.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com