NEW YORK -- Isiah Thomas and Al Sharpton will hold a joint press conference Saturday, about a month after Sharpton threatened to lead protests against Madison Square Garden for remarks the Knicks' coach made about using derogatory language toward women.

A taped deposition played during a sexual harassment trial against Thomas and MSG showed the coach saying he made a distinction between a white man and a black one using the word "bitch" toward a black woman. Thomas has repeatedly sought to clarify the remarks, saying he feels it's wrong for any male to use that language.

After Thomas and MSG lost in the trial, Sharpton said his National Action Network would protest Knicks home games unless Thomas apologized. Thomas and Sharpton spoke over the phone, with the coach stressing that the tape was edited in a manner that misconstrued his remarks.

The Knicks play their home opener Sunday night against Minnesota.

Rutgers women's coach C. Vivian Stringer also criticized Thomas for his remarks, but apologized after speaking to Thomas and getting his side of the story.

I don't understand the purpose of this?

This was just another opportunity for Sharpton to get media attention, that's all it was. I believe he never had any intention of protesting against what Isiah said, and certainly wasn't going to hold Isiah's feet to the fire even a fraction of the way he did Imus.

Sharpton is getting exactly what he wanted, more national attention and face time, for something that has nothing to do with him.