Thomas Cuts Raptor Ties

Isiah Thomas resigned Thursday as general manager of the struggling Toronto Raptors after failing to buy out majority owner Allan Slaight and will sell his 9% stake in the team.

Thomas, who has been offered a multimillion-dollar broadcasting job with NBC, will be replaced by assistant general manager Glen Grunwald. The Raptors are 1-10 and in last place in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division.

“It is with regret that we say goodbye to Isiah Thomas,� Slaight said. “He has made an important contribution to this franchise and we will miss him.

“He has laid a solid foundation for the Raptors, one that we will continue to build on for years to come. But what is positive about this team is that one member can move on, and everyone pulls together to ensure that the team continues to build and grow.�

Since Thomas’ failed buyout bid earlier this year, his relationship with Slaight was strained. Also, construction of the Raptors’ $200-million arena has been a money drain.

The NBC deal reportedly includes an analyst job on NBA telecasts and his own show on MSNBC, one of the network’s cable outlets.

Thomas will hold a news conference today.

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For the second time in three seasons, Philadelphia 76er forward Derrick Coleman will be sidelined because of an irregular heartbeat.

Coleman will undergo testing today after doctors discovered a recurrence of the heart condition that sidelined him two years ago, team spokesman Dave Coskey said

Coleman sat out most of the 1995-96 season after doctors for the New Jersey Nets, his team at the time, discovered before the season that he had an irregular heartbeat.

Coleman is averaging 14.7 points and 9.2 rebounds in nine games this season.