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Trail Blazers fire GM Neil Olshey after workplace inquiry

Nov 8, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers General Manager Neil Olshey looks on during warm ups before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

The Portland Trail Blazers fired president of basketball operations and general manager Neil Olshey on Friday following an investigation into workplace misconduct.

The Trail Blazers also promoted Joe Cronin to interim general manager on Friday.

“Following the conclusion of the independent review of concerns and complaints around our workplace environment at the practice facility, the Portland Trail Blazers organization has decided to terminate General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey, effective immediately due to violations of the Portland Trail Blazers’ Code of Conduct,” the team said in a statement.

“Out of respect for those who candidly participated in that privileged investigation, we will not release or discuss it. We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment.”

On Nov. 6, the Trail Blazers announced they’d hired the law firm O’Melveny & Myers to “conduct a fair and independent review” after a complaint was raised to the organization’s human resources department of “concerns around workplace environment by non-player personnel at the practice facility.”

Six days later, team president and CEO Chris McGowan resigned after nine years in the position, effective Nov. 26.

Olshey, 56, had been the Trail Blazers’ general manager since 2012. He added the title of president of basketball operations in 2015.

He previously worked for the Los Angeles Clippers’ front office from 2003-12.

–Field Level Media

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