New York, NY - January 30, 2013- NBPA Executive Director G. William Hunter today unveiled a series of new and updated governance reforms that will be presented to the organization's larger governing body at their annual meeting. (NBA All Star Weekend February 15-17 2013). In addition, Hunter also announced the terminations of specific personnel and business relationships that were recently referenced in a commissioned report regarding the union's activities. The NBPA staff and members of the union's Special Committee have also been made aware of the proposed reforms and executive actions.
"While the report confirmed I did not engage in any criminal conduct or misappropriation of union funds, it is clear there are areas where the player representatives and I could implement better processes in governing the union," said Hunter. "
The new measures unveiled today and offered for adoption are:
1) Adoption of a new NBPA Anti-Nepotism Policy. As a consequence, Hunter announced the terminations of daughter Robyn Hunter and daughter-in-law Megan Inaba. Robyn Hunter's employment was terminated as of the close of business Friday, January 25, 2013. Due to the proximity to All-Star Weekend and the number of projects already in progress, Inaba's employment will cease on February 17, 2013. Hunter noted that these measures are being taken "although the report noted that both individuals were highly qualified, not overpaid, and contributing members of the NBPA staff."
2) Secured a letter of resignation from Prim Capital, effective immediately. While it is the NBPA's assessment that Prim’s financial counsel has not resulted in any losses of union investments, Hunter acknowledges legitimate questions precluded their continued service.
3) Conflict of Interest and Personnel Policies: In consultation with the NBPA legal staff, outside counsel and experts, effective immediately, the NBPA is recommending implementation of a new: (a) Conflict of Interest Policy, (b) Anti-Nepotism Policy, (c) Employee Hiring Policy, (d) Document Retention Policy, and (e) Employee Manual.
4) NBPA Personnel Re-Organization. For a combination of factors, including but not limited to, general office reorganization, redundancy, performance, and analysis of compensation, certain staff positions at the NBPA will be eliminated in the near future. Other positions will also be reviewed which may result in compensation adjustments that would bring them in line with market rates. All new hires will now be conducted in accordance with the new hiring policy and guidelines.
"While the external report contains various recommendations in several key areas, it is incumbent upon the Executive Director, Executive Committee, and Player Representatives to ensure the smooth operation of the union. 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, "added Hunter.
Final copies of the above recommended policies will be presented to the NBPA Player Representatives (board) on February 16 2013. In the interim, other information will be posted on the NBPA website (www.nbpa.com) as appropriate.
