The Philadelphia 76ers general manager Bryan Colangelo and the team have decided to part ways after news broke last week that Twitter burner accounts were used to criticize players, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi reports.
Colangelo issued his official statement:
“While I am grateful that the independent investigation conducted by the 76ers has confirmed that I had no knowledge of or involvement in the Twitter activity conducted by my wife, I vigorously dispute the allegation that my conduct was in any way reckless. At no point did I ever purposefully or directly share any sensitive, non-public, club-related information with her. Her actions were a seriously misguided effort to publicly defend and support me, and while I recognize how inappropriate these actions were, she acted independently and without my knowledge or consent. Further, the content she shared was filled with inaccuracies and conjecture which in no way represent my own views or opinions. While this was obviously a mistake, we are a family and we will work through this together. Although I am not directly responsible for the actions, I regret this incident occurred and understand that it has become a distraction for the team. Therefore, the organization and I have mutually agreed to part ways.”
The Ringers’ Ben Detrick’s report sparked the investigation that led to his resignation. It was reported as early as April 2016, several fake accounts were created to criticize players like Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid, and even coach Brett Brown.
Once known, the Sixers immediately had Paul/Weiss investigate the accounts linked to Colangelo and potentially his wife Barbara.
The law firm determined that Colangelo’s wife was connected to the accounts and she admitted to making and operating them.
Below is the firm’s official statement:
