Abbie Parr/Getty Images
The Portland Trail Blazers announced
general manager Neil Olshey has been fired following an independent
investigation into allegations he created a toxic workplace culture.
Per a statement released by the team, Olshey was fired “due to violations of the Portland Trail Blazers’ Code of Conduct.”
Portland’s statement also noted its investigation into Olshey’s bullying allegations is complete, but the organization won’t publicly release the findings “out of respect for those who candidly participated in that privileged investigation.”
The Blazers hired the O’Melveny &
Myers law firm in November to investigate allegations Olshey used “bullying
tactics,” including intimidation and profanity-laced tirades, that
created a hostile environment for employees, per Yahoo Sports’ Chris
Haynes.
Members of the organization said the
general manager’s actions led to “mental and physical stress,” and some also questioned whether enough action was taken following
the death of former video coordinator and player development coach
Zach Cooper in April 2020, according to Haynes.
Cooper died “unexpectedly” at the
age of 32, but further details weren’t released.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for the
entire Trail Blazers family,” Olshey said at the time. “Zach was a
positive spirit, a tireless worker and an outstanding teacher. My
prayers go out to his family and all who loved him.”
Olshey with hired as Portland’s general
manager in 2012. He’d previously spent time with the Los Angeles
Clippers in various roles, including assistant coach and assistant
GM.
In 2017, John Canzano of The
Oregonian wrote a column saying the culture within the Blazers
organization was “busted,” and he suggested the team should speak
with “ushers, security staff and ball boys” as part of the
exit-interview process.
“The Blazers have a line of decent,
hard-working employees. But they work under heavy-handed guidelines
and directives,” Canzano wrote. “They play scared. The whole
operation feels paranoid and clouded by the sticky culture of Vulcan,
Inc.”
Olshey downplayed the those critiques
as the club’s 2016-17 season came to a close.
“I’m very comfortable with where
our culture is,” the GM told reporters. “You guys know how
close [the team] is, how they feel about the coaching staff, the
support that they get from the organization. They know we have their
best interest at heart.”
Olshey, who also served as president of basketball operations, was signed to a five-year contract
extension in May 2019.
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
