Blazers Fire Olshey

The Portland Trail Blazers fired general manager and president of basketball operations Neil Olshey Friday, citing violations of the Blazers code of conduct. The firing follows a nearly month long investigation into Olshey regarding accusations of workplace misconduct.

Olshey, was informed Friday morning of the results of that investigation and of his termination, effective immediately. Olshey had been the Blazers general manager for the past decade.

The contents of the investigation will be kept confidential to protect those who came forward with complaints against Olshey and who were interviewed by investigators.

The Blazers have named director of player personnel Joe Cronin as interim general manager. They will immediately begin the search for a new general manger. Grizzlies Assistant GM Tayshaun Prince, Spurs President Brent Barry, Bulls GM Marc Eversley, Knicks GM Scott Perry, and former Celtics GM and Oregon native Danny Ainge are all said to be under consideration.

The Blazers released the following statement Friday morning:

“The Portland Trail Blazers are committed to building an organization that positively impacts our colleagues, communities and the world in which we live and play. 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. 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. Joe Cronin has been promoted to interim General Manager while the organization’s leadership conducts a search for a permanent replacement.”