Portland Trail Blazers GM fired after code of conduct investigation

The Portland Trail Blazers have fired President and General Manager Neil Olshey after a private investigation revealed he violated the team’s code of conduct in the workplace environment.

The NBA team said Olshey’s termination was effective immediately, according to a statement released on Friday, while Joe Cronin, the director of player personnel, has been promoted as the interim general manager.

“We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment,” the statement read.

Statement from the Portland Trail Blazers pic.twitter.com/W9j4V3nNl2

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 3, 2021

The Trail Blazers opened an investigation last month into the workplace culture under Olshey’s leadership after employees alleged he bullied and intimidated staff. The team hired law firm O’Melveny & Myers to look into the allegations.

The Trail Blazers said they would not reveal the details of the investigation “out of respect for those who candidly participated” but mentioned they had looked into concerns around the workplace environment at the team’s practice facility.

Olshey was hired as the GM in 2012. He oversaw the basketball team during a successful time — the Trail Blazers have made the playoffs for the past eight years.