HOUSTONAs expected, the NBA's players union voted on Saturday to fire longtime executive director Billy Hunter on Saturday.
The union members present voted unanimously, 24-0, for the ouster of Hunter who had been the league's top official for the past 17 years.
Hunter came under fire last spring when reports surfaced that questioned a number of business practices by the union under Hunter's watch which included nepotism.
An outside firm looked into the union's business practices which led to him being put on paid leave.
It's clear that the decision to dismiss him as the union's leader, will not be the end of this drama.
What's still open for debate and will likely find its way into the court system, is what to do with the 10.5 million Hunter still has remaining on his last contract.
I have yet to receive any notification, other than published news reports, that the N.B.P.A. has terminated my employment, Hunter said in a statement. If accurate, it is indicative of the extremely troubling process followed by the N.B.P.A. during the past few weeks. During the days and weeks ahead, my legal team and I will begin carefully reviewing the actions taken and statements made against me in the meeting room in my absence. I look forward to gathering the evidence showing how certain individuals made sure the outcome was pre-ordained.
Boston Celtics
Hunter added, "After 17 years of representing NBA players during CBA negotiations and defending their rights in other proceedings, not once was there an occasion where one side was denied an opportunity to be heard. The current interim regime in control of the NBPA has set a terrible precedent for the union. It violates every tenet of fairness upon which the union was founded. Now that this has occurred, I will continue to examine all of my options, including whether the fairness that was absent from the NBPA process might be available in a different forum. In addition, given the legitimate legal and governance questions surrounding the eligibility of the members who voted and the adherence, or lack thereof, to the constitution and bylaws, I do not consider today's vote the end, only a different beginning. My legal representatives and I will resume communication with the NBPA to determine how to best move forward in the best interests of all parties."