Danny Ferry steps down as Hawks GM
Danny Ferry officially stepped down from his position as general manager of the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, ending a tumultuous, elongated split for he and the team.
Ferry was granted an indefinite leave of absence from his duties as GM and president of basketball operations in September after it was revealed that during a June meeting with Hawks management, he read aloud a racist comment about Luol Deng contained in a scouting report.
It was revealed this weekend that a law firm's investigation into the matter found Ferry's comments were not motivated by a negative, racial bias.
It has been reported throughout June that Ferry would not be retained by the Hawks, and that head coach Mike Budenholzer will take over as team president.
In a media release to make Ferry's departure official, Hawks CEO Steve Koonin spoke glowingly about Ferry:
This season has proved two things. First, Danny Ferry is a tremendous GM. Danny was the principal architect of the Hawks' success in Atlanta. From the hiring of Coach Bud to reinventing the roster, Danny's vision has put us in the tremendous place we are today. Danny acted with integrity and professionalism as he guided the organization through important changes over the last few years. Second, Danny Ferry is not a racist. Danny showed great leadership in stepping aside in the fall so the season could proceed with as few distractions as possible. He has always put the team first despite the great personal difficulties he endured. Now that the team has identified new ownership, the resolution of Danny’s contract with existing ownership is appropriate. We wish Danny and his family only the best moving forward.
Team owner Bruce Levenson announced his intention to sell the Hawks in September, after self-reporting an August 2012 email he wrote that contained offensive stereotypes about the team's African-American fan base and comparisons between black and white fans.
The Hawks' sale to Tony Ressler is expected to be finalized June 24.
"While the past year has been incredibly difficult and humbling, it is critical for me to clear my name and for people to realize that I have always built a culture of respect, diversity, and honesty," Ferry said in Monday's Hawks statement.
Now that the key facts have been made known, I am making the difficult decision to step away from this team and this special group of players. I have seen how gracious and forgiving people can be - especially Luol, who had every right to be hurt and angry after being brought into this situation. I thank him for his forgiveness and support. I also greatly appreciate that our players and coaches have been supportive, along with so many friends, old and new. As the Hawks move to a new chapter, I will continue to support the players and wish them the continued success that they and the fans of Atlanta deserve.
With the Hawks enjoying a franchise record 60-win season in the aftermath of the controversy, the team submitted Budenholzer's name for Executive of the Year instead of Ferry's. Budenholzer, who took home Coach of the Year honors, subsequently finished third in the voting, but he's maintained his praise of Ferry as the team architect.
"Building a successful team takes more than attracting a few stars," Budenholzer said. "It is about finding the right combination of talent and teamwork to become an unbeatable combination. Danny's vision and decision-making shaped the team that fans celebrate on the court today."