Fired Knicks exec Anucha Browne Sanders settled her sexual harassment suit against the team Monday for $11.5 million, just $100,000 less than a jury had awarded her in punitive damages, a source close to the negotiations said.
The settlement - which did not disclose an amount - was revealed in a one-paragraph statement filed with Manhattan Federal Court Judge Gerard. Lynch, just days before Browne Sanders was to return to court for the compensatory phase of the award. But the source said the settlement came in just slightly below the $11.6 million in punitive damages awarded by the jury.
"It is hereby stipulated by and between the parties to this action, through their respective counsel, that the above-captioned action shall be dismissed," the statement read.
Browne Sanders, who stood to collect millions more in compensatory damages, said she was happy the case was finally over.
"I am extremely pleased that we have reached a settlement," said Browne Sanders, who originally sought just $6 million.
"The jury's verdict in this case sent a powerful and enduring message that harassment and retaliation at Madison Square Garden will not be tolerated.
"It is my hope that all women will be able to work in an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment and that any woman who stands up for her rights will be taken seriously by her employer rather than retaliated against." (...)
