By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey is under investigation for alleged workplace misconduct, per Shams Charania and Jason Quick of The Athletic.
Several employees reported a toxic and hostile work environment, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. Team owner, Jody Allen hired O’Melveny & Myers to examine the case, as noted in the latest update surfacing shortly after the investigation against Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver.
Staff members were subjected to intimidation and profanity-laced tirades, among other bullying tactics, details Haynes. Allen and Olshey have yet to comment on the launched investigation. Both attended Friday’s game versus the Indiana Pacers.
Olshey, 56, was named Blazers general manager prior to the 2012-13 NBA Regular Season after serving as the Director of Player Development, Assistant Coach, Director of Player Personnel, Assistant General Manager, and Vice President of Basketball Operations between 2003 and 2012 at the Los Angeles Clippers.
The tenth GM in Trail Blazers history has been responsible for building a Playoffs team in the last eight seasons. Making it to the Western Conference Finals in 2019 highlights the solid stretch.
Snapping the three-game losing streak with the win over the Pacers improved the W-L record to 4-5 to start the 2021-22 campaign. The Oregon franchise currently sits half a win behind the top eight sides of the Western Conference.
The team coached by retired player Chauncey Billups will stay at home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday before heading into a four-game road trip featuring stops at the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets through the next week.
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