Isiah Thomas Stays Put Just in Time to Make the Cover of New Times

Over the weekend, Florida International University men's basketball coach Isiah Thomas denied a Foxsports.com report that the Los Angeles Clippers were courting him to be the NBA team's president, general manager, and coach.During his postgame conference following the Golden Panthers' latest home loss, Thomas said, "I'm very happy here at FIU.....

By Francisco Alvarado

February 9, 2010

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Over the weekend, Florida International University men's basketball coach Isiah Thomas denied a Foxsports.com report that the Los Angeles Clippers were courting him to be the NBA team's president, general manager, and coach.

During his postgame conference following the Golden Panthers' latest home loss, Thomas said, "I'm very happy here at FIU... I think we have a chance to build something really special here."

Maybe. According to hoops.com, FIU has the 17th highest-rated recruiting class for 2010.

But Thomas's first year as coach has been more of the same for the

Golden Panthers b-ballers -- in other words, a lot of losing in front of

empty seats.

For this week's cover story, I analyze the school's bold yet highly unsuccessful moves to build first-class football and basketball programs, focusing on Thomas's inaugural season.

Below, read Thomas's contract, which pays him $1.2 million over five years and includes bonuses for winning the Sun Belt Conference, making the NCAA postseason tournament, and winning the national championship.

Isiah Thomas Contract

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Francisco Alvarado was born in Nicaragua and grew up in Miami, giving him unique insight into the Magic City and all its dark corners. An investigative reporter with a knack for uncovering corruption, Alvarado made his bones as a staff writer at Miami New Times and remains in dogged pursuit of the next juicy story.

Contact: Francisco Alvarado

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Twitter: @thefrankness