HOUSTON -- After 17 years on the job, Billy Hunter was unceremoniously fired Saturday as the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association.
Team representatives voted out Hunter 24-0. Six team reps abstained.Derek Fisher, the president of the NBPA, said: "Today, for the National Basketball Players Association, was a day of change. Players representatives in the general body of our association have made their voice and their votes heard."Today, the motion was raised, seconded and passed unanimously that we will terminate the employment of Billy Hunter."An independent review of Hunter and the union's practices put Hunter in an unfavorable light. Nepotism was alleged in the findings, the most egregious a "purported agreement between the NBPA and Prim Capital," a firm that employs Todd Hunter, Billy Hunter's son.Prim Capital reportedly had a business arrangement with the NBPA that paid the firm $602,000 a year.Billy Hunter was earning $3 million per year and had been the NBPA executive director since 1996. In a statement, Hunter said "certain individuals made sure the outcome was pre-ordained," and that he will fight the outcome.Fisher said it was time for the NBPA to move forward with new leadership."This is our union and we have taken it back," Fisher said. "We want to make it clear that we are here to serve only the best interests of the players. No threats, no lies, no distractions will stop us from serving our membership."Stern's finaleWith NBA Commissioner David Stern set to retire on Feb. 1, 2014, this is his final year presiding over the All-Star Game.Stern's first All-Star game was in 1976 in Philadelphia, and he has stashed away a lot of memories over the years."Well, this is my 37th All-Star... and I would have to say my favorite memory actually compounded and growing to the present day is awarding Magic Johnson the MVP trophy in Orlando," Stern said. "What year was it -- '92?"Giving sweaty Magic Johnson a big hug right after he hit the last 3 -- and still being able to hug him, because he's alive every time I see him -- that is at the top of the list and it will not easily be dislodged. Even though I do enjoy every All-Star, that one will resonate for the rest of my life."Bosh to startMiami Heat center Chris Bosh starts tonight for the East as the replacement for injured Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo when the All-Star Game tips off at the Toyota Center.Rondo was voted in by the fans but is out for the season with a knee injury. Heat coach Erick Spoelstra, who coaches the East, named Bosh as Rondo's replacement in the lineup.The Heat will have LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Bosh in the starting lineup. It's the first time three players from one team have started since the Lakers' Magic Johnson, James Worthy and A.C. Green started in the 1990 All-Star Game.Saturday's winnersDunk contest: Raptors rookie Terrence Ross edged the Jazz's Jeremy Evans, last year's winner. On one of Ross' dunks, he wore a Vince Carter jersey.3-point contest: Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving beat Spurs forward Matt Bonner. Irving scored 23 points in the final round, two short of the record.Skills challenge: Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard became the first rookie winner, topping the 76ers' Jrue Holiday by 5.8 seconds in the final round.Shooting Stars: Chris Bosh, Dominique Wilkins and the WNBA's Swin Cash were victorious in the event.
NBA centers battling for respect in tonight's All-Star Game
Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
