The NBA players took stern action by placing the union head on an indefinite leave, Feb. 1, based on the findings in a report. Union chief, Billy Hunter had been under scrutiny for his poor leadership ability, decisions and questionable business practices.
The union's president, Derek Fisher, released a statement on Friday, " An outside attorney is being hired as players begin moving forward, likely without the man who has guided them since 1996."
Fisher initiated the investigation to allow an outside review of Hunter and the union. In the report presented by a New York law firm, found no illegal use of funds, but cited Hunter for "a number of poor choices and recommended players discuss whether he should remain in charge during their All-Star weekend meetings."
An eight-month review, the report found that Hunter has been aware that his $3 million per year contract was never properly approved. It also criticized his hiring of family members and friends, and said there were other conflicts of interests he should have avoided.
Hunter is expected to contest the removal and fight to keep his job. Hunter's attorney claims that the manner in which the leave is executed,
is not allowable under NBPA rules.
Hunter, 70, said "he looks forward to continuing in his position and recently made changes based on the review's findings such as instituting an anti-nepotism policy. He fired his daughter, Robyn, announced daughter-in-law Megan Inaba would leave after the All-Star game, and said the union would no longer use a financial institution that employs his son."
A statement released through Fisher's publicist said. ''Because of the unusual circumstances at the union, a result of mismanagement extensively documented by the Paul, Weiss report, the committees have decided to take immediate actions that allow them to assess the situation fully and build a stronger, more effective organization that better represents their membership."
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