Hawks GM Danny Ferry to take an indefinite leave of absence

• Joeff Davis/CL File
• Former Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng (#9)

Atlanta Hawks General Manager Danny Ferry has decided to step away from his position with the team indefinitely due to racist remarks made about NBA forward Luol Deng.

Last June, Ferry described Deng on a conference call with team officials as a player with “a little African in him. Not in a bad way, but he’s like a guy who would have a nice store out front but sell you counterfeit stuff out of the back.” The GM also called Deng a “two-faced liar and cheat.” His comments sparked an internal investigation that led to the discovery of a racially-charged email sent by Hawks majority owner Bruce Levenson, which has since prompted him to sell his share of the franchise.

Ferry, who apologized for his remarks earlier this week, said he was merely repeating comments made by sources who were scouting Deng as a possible free agent signing. Koonin doled out an undisclosed punishment for his remarks, but decided against firing Ferry. But following the release of an audio recording of his remarks last night, the GM has decided to temporarily leave his role with the organization.

Here’s what Ferry today had to say about his decision:

“No words can adequately describe my remorse for the hurt that I have caused many people through the statements I repeated, most importantly Luol Deng.

Luol is a good man who I have known for many years and he has done a tremendous amount of good for his country and around the world. I apologize to Luol and I apologize to all that I have offended. As I have said, while these were not my words, I deeply regret repeating them. Almost all the background information I provided during the lengthy presentation regarding Luol was positive and my personal and professional recommendation during the call was very much in favor of adding Luol to our team but I never should have uttered those offensive remarks and for that I apologize.

My focus moving forward is to tirelessly work to rebuild trust with this community and with our fans. I realize that my words may ring hollow now and my future actions must speak for me. I will maximize my time during this leave to meet with community leaders and further educate myself and others on the extremely sensitive issues surrounding race, diversity, and inclusion. I will find a way to make a positive difference in this area, and further learn from the sensitivity training that I will go through.”

CEO Steve Koonin issued his own statement about the Hawks’ plans address the team’s race-related problems moving forward:

This afternoon, Danny Ferry requested, and I have approved, taking an indefinite leave of absence, effective immediately. This has been an incredibly difficult time for him and his family and it is my hope that this time away from the Hawks organization allows him the privacy he needs to listen to the community, to learn about his mistakes, and to begin the long process of personal healing. As a human being, manager and friend, I wish him well as he undergoes this process.

While the issues related to race are deeply troubling, at the heart of this dispute is an unfortunate disagreement amongst owners. That said, we have taken several steps to address what we can do as an organization to be better and stronger, including working with a diversity consultant to examine us and to train us to ensure something like this never happens again, we are committed to hiring a Chief Diversity Officer, and we have and will continue to meet with community leaders in an ongoing way to ensure our values reflect the community in which we play and work. The process of selling the team, which is to remain in Atlanta, is already underway.

Vice President of Basketball Dominique Wilkins, who’s reportedly considered buying a stake in the franchise, personally reached out to Deng last night about Ferry’s remarks. He tweeted about the conversation earlier this afternoon:

Personally called @LuolDeng9 had a great convo last night. We spoke about his high level of character in response to recent events. cont’d
— Dominique Wilkins (@DWilkins21) September 12, 2014

In a business blurred by bottom lines & ego we cannot EVER forget our moral compass & the obligation to treat people 1st, player 2nd! cont’d
— Dominique Wilkins (@DWilkins21) September 12, 2014

@LuolDeng9 is a shining example of character, class & professionalism. I expressed my deepest apologies on behalf of the Hawks organization.
— Dominique Wilkins (@DWilkins21) September 12, 2014

@LuolDeng9 is a person AND player I would be elated to brng into my locker room & ANY aspect of my association The Heat r lucky to have him!
— Dominique Wilkins (@DWilkins21) September 12, 2014

In Ferry’s absence, Head Coach Mike Budenholzer will oversee basketball operations and report directly to Koonin.