Police officers who went to NBA great Isiah Thomas’ home after a 911 call reporting an overdose on sleeping pills found a man passed out on the floor and gave him oxygen until an ambulance arrived.
Authorities have not publicly identified Thomas as the victim, but a person familiar with the case has confirmed it was the former New York Knicks coach. The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because of privacy concerns.
On Tuesday, Harrison Police Chief David Hall provided new details about last week’s emergency in which officers were handed prescription pills at Thomas’ Westchester County home.
Hall said the prescription bottle had a name on it, but he would not disclose the name or the precise medication.
Thomas has denied being the victim, and Hall again criticized the ex-coach for saying it was his 17-year-old daughter, Lauren, who required treatment.
“As parents, you try to protect your kids; you don’t say they did something when it was you who did it,” Hall said. “We know the difference between a 47-year-old man and a teenager.”
Hall said police called the overdose accidental because there was no suicide note and no indication that the victim suffered from depression.
Thomas’ spokesman said: “This continues to be a private family matter and the family respectfully asks for privacy.”
Thomas won NBA titles with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. He coached the Indiana Pacers to the playoffs three times and joined the Knicks as team president in 2003 and later coach.
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