Report: Brown files grievance

The New York Daily News reports Brown, who was fired a week ago by the Knicks, has a clause in his contract that designated NBA commissioner David Stern to be an arbitrator in the event of a financial controversy.

Brown, who was replaced by president/general manager Isiah Thomas, reportedly violated terms of his contract by trying to work out trades without the approval of Thomas. Brown also apparently broke team guidelines by speaking with the media without a public relations official present, using the media to criticize his players and not returning phone calls from Thomas.

Brown left the Detroit Pistons for his "dream job" with the Knicks and suffered through a 23-59 season. Not only was the record the worst for the Knicks since an identical mark in 1985-86, but the 2005-06 season included a reported rift between Brown and Thomas.

The Knicks have not made the playoffs in the past two seasons and have just one postseason appearance in the last five.