Investigation Into Blazers Exec Neil Olshey Takes Another Twist

Several current members of the Trail Blazers have been contacted by the firm investigating president of basketball operations Neil Olshey, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

Olshey is under investigation for claims of creating a toxic and hostile workplace environment, and per Haynes, most of the focus centered on former and current staff members.

Adding a twist to the investigation was the news that Trail Blazers CEO and president of business operations Chris McGowan stepped down on Friday. McGowan said his decision is unrelated to the investigation, Haynes noted.

That said, the two have experienced at least one known flare-up, back in 2012 when Olshey became the Blazers’ head of basketball operations and addressed his and McGowan’s roles.

“Knowing someone that appreciates basketball operations but doesn’t think they have input into basketball-related decisions, just like I appreciate the job they do and support them any way I can, but I don’t come down to the Rose Garden to tell them how to put together season-ticket packages,” Olshey said at his introductory press conference.

Haynes reported that McGowan was “livid” about Olshey’s comments, and the two eventually had words.

Olshey has undoubtedly had some emotional moments, as evidenced by his flipping off of an individual from the Clippers after a game in 2017. 

“He allegedly subjected staffers to profanity-laced tirades, including former head coach Terry Stotts while Olshey sat courtside during home games, which routinely caught the attention of Blazers players,” Haynes wrote.

Haynes is a former Blazers beat reporter and has been tracking this story closely. We’ll have more on Hoops Wire as it develops.