The NBA is "instituting a confidential hotline for team and league employees to register concerns of improper conduct" following the "allegations of harassment and violence toward female employees" in the Mavericks' organization, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.com. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Thursday "sent a letter to top officials" of the league's 30 teams, "outlining what Silver described as the league's 'commitment to providing employees with a safe and inclusive work environment.'" The memo said that the hotline will be "instituted next week" (ESPN.com, 2/22). In DC, Tim Bontemps notes the hotline will be "available to report any concerns within the workplace -- including, but not limited to, sexual harassment, illegality or other misconduct." The NBA had already "sent out an updated version of its 'Respect in the Workplace' policy to the teams for review, and asked that all teams complete that review by March 6." The NBA in December announced that it was "going to conduct mandatory discussions among small groups with outside experts in the field of sexual harassment so that everyone has a 'full understanding of issues related to sexual harassment'" (WASHINGTON POST, 2/23).
BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS: ESPN's Mike Golic said of the NBA's hotline, "A lot of people are wondering is anything going to happen to (Mavs Owner) Mark Cuban through this. If it is the person in the one office working in marketing or whatever, if they are calling this hotline and things go on, we are less apt to hear about this than if it is a player." ESPN's Mike Golic Jr. added, "I hope we continue to hold this side of things accountable now that we know, because so often we think of it as athletes and forget this side. ... It’s one that I hope continues to get looked at through the same microscope” (“Golic & Wingo,” ESPN Radio, 2/23).
WILL NBA COME DOWN HARD? In Dallas, Tim Cowlishaw writes if the investigation into the Mavs produces evidence that Cuban had "knowledge of the complaints" against former President & CEO Terdema Ussery, or was "aware of other workplace indiscretions detailed by accusers in SI, then the NBA's penalty must be severe." Cowlishaw: "A fine? Even if it could reach seven figures, how much does that really penalize a billionaire?" It would be "unprecedented to lose a first-round pick for running a business that creates a horribly intolerant workplace for women." Cowlishaw: "But would it be wrong?" Beyond what it "means to the women involved, it is about the Cuban brand." There is a potential "run for the White House," as well as his place on the "popular and highly rated 'Shark Tank.'" There is also his standing as a "credible owner in professional sports." The investigation will "take time" and the NBA has "months to consider its options." But it "wouldn't be entirely surprising if the Mavericks no longer own a spot in the first round in June" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 2/23).
