Approx. 50 fans protested today outside Madison Square Garden to offer New York Knicks owners James and Charles Dolan a suggestion: Fire Isiah Thomas.

The protest, organized by Art Nathan, a Long Island dentist and diehard Knicks fan, provided an 8’ pink slip for Thomas that fans could sign. (select the image provided to see a larger version). The Knicks are mired in a 7-17 record, have won 3 of the last 7 games, have only one road win, and are already 14 games out of first place. This, on top of the sexual harassment suit debacle that has overshadowed Thomas beyond the Knicks abysmal play. As reported by the NY Post:

"Coach Thomas, we’ve got news for you: The buck stops here. You are responsible for the dismal performance. I want a Christmas present for New York: Isiah Thomas to be fired!" said organizer Art Nathan, a Long Island dentist and long-suffering fan.

Despite desperate clamoring by fans, sports writers, call-in radio show hosts, small children and even James Naismith’s ghost that Thomas be canned, the team’s owners — ne’er-do-well Cablevision president James Dolan and his pop, Charles — have turned a deaf ear.

What was Thomas’ reaction to the fan protest? "I have no reaction to it," he said of the gathering at the World’s Most Famous Arena. "Just trying to beat the Cavaliers tonight."

Maury Brown is the founder and president of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football and The Biz of Basketball (The Biz of Hockey will be launching shortly). He is also an author for Baseball Prospectus, Basketball Prospectus and is an available writer for other media outlets.

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