Blazers Fire Neil Olshey For Violating Code of Conduct

PORTLAND, OR —The Portland Trail Blazers announced Friday that Neil Olshey, the team's general manager and president of basketball operations, has been fired for violating the organization's code of conduct. The termination comes after an independent investigation and is effective immediately, the team said.

"Out of respect for those who candidly participated in that privileged investigation, we will not release or discuss it," the Trail Blazers said in a statement. "We are confident that these changes will help build a more positive and respectful working environment."

The Blazers announced that Joe Cronin has been promoted to the role of interim general manager while the organization searches for a permanent replacement.

According to USA Today, the organization had hired a law firm to investigate Olshey in November after being notified of concerns about bullying, inappropriate tirades and intimidation.

Olshey, 56, had been the Trail Blazers' general manager since 2012. He added the title of president of basketball operations in 2015.

Olshey's departure comes less than a month after former Trail Blazers president and CEO Chris McGowan announced his resignation.

McGowan joined the team as president and CEO in 2012 and three years ago, he also was made president and chief executive officer of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment, which oversees the Blazers and other properties controlled by Paul Allen.

Under Olshey, the Trail Blazers made the playoffs for the past eight seasons, which is the longest active streak in the NBA. The team did reach the Western Conference Finals in 2019, but hasn't advanced out of the first round in four of the past five years.

The Trail Blazers were criticized this past offseason for their hiring of former NBA star Chauncey Billups as the head coach, even though there were concerns about sexual assault allegations lodged against Billups in the 1990s.

A month and a half into Billups' first season, the Trail Blazers are 11-12. Though Portland currently is playing without star guard Damian Lillard, who is sidelined with a lower abdominal injury.

The Blazers were without Lillard and the injured Nassir Little in Thursday's 114-83 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Moda Center. The Boston Celtics visit Portland at 7 p.m. Saturday.