National Basketball Players Association Removes Billy Hunter as Director

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has voted to remove Billy Hunter as executive director, president Derek Fisher announced on Saturday. 

Fisher said he will remain president, and the new executive committee includes Matt Bonner,James Jones, Jerry Stackhouse, Andre Iguodala, Roger Mason , Stephen Curry, Willie Greenand Chris Paul.

Hunter has faced allegations of inappropriate activity stemming from reported instancs of nepotism and a lack of oversight. A report from the independently contracted firm of Paul-Weiss concluded Hunter had failed in his duties and recommended his removal. Among the reported instances of inpropriety, Hunter’s vacation and travel funds were never approved by the union, and he repeatedly used union funds for a variety of inappropriate measures. Hunter’s actions are also under investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Hunter was placed on indefinite leave on Feb. 1 by the executive committee. He finally refuted the claims made against him on a blog on Thursday. He had previously dismissed his daughter, who had worked for him, and severed ties with a financial firm that his son served as director for. 

Hunter served as executive director for the union from 1996 to 2013, overseeing the union’s two battles through lockouts with the NBA. Various NBA agents have shown unrest with Hunter since the 2011 lockout for his refusal to take more aggressive stands against the league in CBA disputes. Former MLBPA head Donald Fehr has been suggested as a possible replacement.