STATEMENT FROM BILLY HUNTER, NBPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REGARDING THE SPECIAL REPORT

“The NBPA is currently reviewing the full independent special report simultaneous with the public. While I strongly disagree with some of the findings contained in the report, I am pleased it recognized that I have not engaged in criminal acts nor was I involved in misappropriation of union funds.  Regarding my contract -- my third in a long tenure of the organization -- it was ratified by the NBPA Executive Committee and signed by President Derek Fisher.  I believe the contract and extensions are valid. I am pleased to discuss with the Player Representative board any concerns about my contract.

In my work for the NBPA, my priority has always been to promote the interests of the players.  Through the benefit of hindsight, as with any executive, there are always things that could have been done better. But on the major issue, I am pleased that this report has confirmed what I have always known and said, I did nothing illegal.

During my tenure, the salaries of NBA players have more than doubled and they are the highest paid athletes in the world.  When I arrived at the NBPA in 1996 the challenges were significant. The Union’s financial liabilities exceeded its assets.  Today the Union is solvent and its financial future is secure. The Union and players endured two lengthy and costly lockouts.  Our greatest accomplishment is the unity and solidarity that the players maintained throughout those very difficult rounds of bargaining.

Prior to the report's issuance, the NBPA began implementation of some of the recommendations suggested, including a revised hiring policy and a new anti-nepotism policy.  I look forward to continuing my work with the NBPA, adopting additional recommendations from the report and opening a new chapter of NBPA governance.  I believe through these steps the NBPA will emerge from this review a stronger organization and continue to meet the needs of its membership. I will be reaching out to the membership to discuss the report and address ways to pursue the best path forward for the NBPA.”