GM Fired After Internal Investigation

After being the subject of an internal investigation over "workplace misconduct",  Portland Trail Blazers president and general manager Neil Olshey has been sent packing for violating the team's "code of conduct". 

The Portland Trail Blazers have fired GM & President Neil Olshey due to violations of the team's "Code of Conduct." pic.twitter.com/GkELLNbXxL

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 3, 2021

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports first reported the news Friday morning.  

The Blazers hired an independent firm to conduct the review about a month ago, after hearing of "concerns around workplace environment by non-player personnel at the practice facility." 

According to Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian, "some employees, according to one source, actively tried to avoid Olshey while at the team’s practice facility in Tualatin.... One former employee said that when Olshey became angry with an employee, he often used extreme profanity, at times called people “stupid” and on occasion let them know that he could replace them with anyone and they were lucky to have a job."

The 56-year-old Olshey has been the GM since 2012, and added President of Basketball Operations to his title in 2015. 

The Trail Blazers are quickly reaching a turning point in their franchise, as they have a new head coach in place this season (Chauncey Billups), an uncertain roster mix, and an urgent need to prove to superstar Damian Lillard that they are on the right track towards contention. On the court, the team is stumbling along with an 11-12 record, after an embarrassing 31-point loss on their home court Thursday night.

Whether Friday's purging of a general manager helps the team in moving in the right direction remains to be seen. 

Photo Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports