Kurt Thomas: No Remorse

Kurt Thomas is a forward and center for the Phoenix Suns.  He is known for his aggressive playing style, a reflection of his aggressive behavior off the court as well.  He was initially drafted in the first round by the NBA in 1995, playing for the Miami Heat.

He didn’t stay with the Heat for long.  He was traded after a short two seasons to the Dallas Mavericks. Unfortunately, his player status was low enough that he was one of three players traded to the Mavericks in exchange for on super star player.  A blow to his ego, he still managed to rise above it.  He was named assistant coach of the Mavericks after only a short time playing with them.

During his two season stint with the Mavericks, he increased his scoring average and evened out his aggressive off-court reputation.  This landed him a contract with the New York Knicks in 1999.  The Knicks signed him to a three year deal worth over $2 million dollars.

His career took off under the Knicks colors, and they re-upped his contract twicebecause of his averages with them, once in 2000 and once in 2004. Over that time his worth grew from his original $2 million dollar contract to a $30 million dollar 4 year extension.  Even though he was a valuable asset for the Knicks, they chose to trade him in 2005 to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for several players and cash. He has come a long way in player value from his first days in the NBA as a low-ball trade player.

While he was still with the Knicks he ran afoul of the law.  Arrested in September 2002 for assaulting his wife (domestic violence charges), he was removed from several games.  He was officially charged with third degree assault and endangering a minor.  He paid a $1000 bail during his arraignment and was released until his court date.

He was also ordered to stay away from his wife and children during the arraignment.  His wife claimed he hit her while she was holding their 2 year old daughter in her arms.  They began divorce proceedings shortly after the incident and arrest.  Thomas was scheduled to be in the starting lien up for the Knicks at the time and missed several away games immediately following his arrest and arraignment.

Since the Knicks also lost Spewell to a hand injury at the same tie, they started the 2002 season with their hands tied.  When interviewed after the incident he expressed no feelings about his arrest, only saying he was sorry his very public profession made the divorce so pubic and possibly hard for his little girl.

Eventually, he became a crusader for financial health. He now does youth outreach in the off season, going to colleges and educating athletes on managing their money. He got his start doing this after he began to manage his own money by playing the stock market.  He has become as adept at playing the market as he is at playing basketball, helping many young athletes take steps to avoid the financial pitfalls that can come with great wealth.