NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter being investigated for going off the books to aid ex-VP: NBA Update
The NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter was found guilty of illegally using Unions’ funds to support a sinister plan coined by former NBA premier Charles Smith. The plan was to topple the NBPA retired players Association.
NBPA President Derek Fisher blew whistle on Hunter last month. The rift attracted the attention of U.S. Attorney’s Office and it subpoenaed the documents. Fisher accused Hunter of counterfeit and nepotism.
Smith was dethroned in 2010 after pursuing deals that were not in contingency with the existing group licensing agreements. He was NBPRA executive director and was the main reason behind Hunter’s appointment.
Smith fought for his position and was subsequently re-appointed. It was later on revealed by Garry Hall, NBPA’s late lead council that the NBPA went off the way to support Smith. With Hunter at the helm the expenditures and legal
fee came out of the association account, without the consent of executive committee.
Hunter also breached the protocol while hiring the late lead council Gary Hall. They both enjoyed a long time friendship and that was the reason no job announcement or short listing of any other candidate was made while hiring
Gary. He passed away last year at the age of 67.
Before coming to NBPA, Hall used to work for Blitman-King, law firm. At the time of Smith dispute the player’s union withheld its annual contribution of $300,000. But the tax return files showed that the law firm was paid $31,608
that year. The reasons were not disclosed and it was another clear case of nepotism and counterfeit.
Hunter went on to award his sycophants without the consent and knowledge of executive committee over the years. It is still not clear that at what point the executive committee came to learn about the wrong doings. However NBRPA
CEO Arnie Fielkow did give a hint about the rift with NBPA, he refrained from commenting about Smith episode.
"We do have a relationship back with the union again," he said. "We're looking to strengthen that relationship."
Hunter was also accused of transferring the funds to his family member’s business in the recent years. The drama unfolded after Fisher went public with a demand of audit. In return Hunter demanded his resignation and falsely accused
him of cutting an underhand deal with NBA during the player’s salary cap negotiations.
Hunter maintained a stance that an audit is not required at this time but after the US Attorney office involvement. The union formulated a 6 member committee to conduct an internal audit and the aforementioned findings are only
the tip of ice berg.
Moreover the way Hunter showed hastiness while reinstating Smith undermined all the protocols. Disposal of funds at his discretion is one thing the supporters striving to rehire Smith only took 90 signatures out of 500 plus NBRPA
members.
Ronald Schechtman, managing partner and chair of Pryor Cashman's Labour and Employment Group raised a very fundamental question regarding the allegiances of Hunter.
"It raises questions as to why [Hunter] didn't inform the board about something so political," Schechtman said. "There are times when an executive director and the board become part of a conflict. [But] there's a fair question
of whether he was acting for the good of the organization or he was going rogue."
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