HOUSTON – Nasibak si Billy Hunter sa kanyang tungkulin bilang executive director ng players union sa unanimous vote ng mga NBA players na nagsabing hindi na sila mahahati, mapapaniwala at mami-mis-inform.
“This is our union and we have taken it back,’’ sabi ng president ng players association na si Derek Fisher.
Sinabi ni Fisher na ito ay araw ng pagbabago sa union na pinag-aralan ang naging liderato ni Hunter noong nakaraang buwan kung pananatilihin pa nila ito o hindi na.
“We want to make it clear that we are here to serve only the best interests of the players,’’ ani Fisher. “No threats, no lies, no distractions will stop us from serving our memberships.’’
Sinabi ni Hunter sa isang statement na hindi pa siya nakakatanggap ng abiso ng pagkakatanggal niya at binatikos niya ang interim executive committee sa kanilang naging proseso, at sinabi niyang may mga taong siniguro ang kanyang pagkakatanggal.
“In addition, given the legitimate legal and go-vernance questions surrounding the eligibility of the members who voted and the adherence, or lack thereof, to the constitution and bylaws, I do not consider today’s vote the end, only a different beginning,’’ sabi ni Hunter. “My legal representatives and I will resume communication with the NBPA to determine how to best move forward in the best interests of all parties.’’
Sa maiksing pahayag, sinabi ni Fisher na may naiboto nang bagong executive committee at siya ang mananatiling presidente.
Si Matt Bonner ng Spurs ang vice president, si James Jones ng Miami ang secretary-treasurer at si Jerry Stackhouse ng Nets ang first vice president.
Sina Chris Paul ng Clippers, Stephen Curry ng Golden State, Andre Iguodala ng Denver, Roger Mason, Jr. ng Hornets at si Willie Green ng Clippers ang mga vice presidents.