UPDATE 9:58 pm: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has had a change of heart and decided guys in positions of authority probably shouldn’t say things like that about a fellow NBA city — the league has fined Masai Ujiri $25,000 for getting caught up in the moment and saying “f---- Brooklyn” during a pep rally in Toronto before Game 1 of their series against Brooklyn.
My guess is Silver was afraid he’s set a precedent. If Ujiri can say that without repercussion, what will Phil Jackson say about Brooklyn next?
This was first reported by Jeff Zillgett of the USA Today.
—Kurt Helin
7:36 pm: Masai Ujiri said “F— Brooklyn” at a Raptors rally, delighting Toronto fans.
The NBA wasn’t quite as thrilled, but the league won’t discipline the Raptors general manager.
Mark Ganter of the Toronto Suns:
Can confirm Masai Ujiri has spoken with both Adam Silver and Rod Thorn and will not be fined or disciplined re Saturday's pep rally comment
— Mike Ganter (@Mike_Ganter) April 21, 2014
League took into account where the comment was made (not a press conference) and the fact that it was his first offence.
— Mike Ganter (@Mike_Ganter) April 21, 2014
Ujiri did receive a warning from the league.
— Mike Ganter (@Mike_Ganter) April 21, 2014
I have no problem with what Ujiri said. He was just having fun, drumming up interest in the Raptors-Nets first-round series.It’s probably not in the league’s best interest for a team employee to be swearing in public in front of families, though. There are enough people who take legitimate offense to that language. I’m not one of them, so I won’t get on my high horse, but I at least get it.I suspect Ujiri does now too, and the NBA did right by giving Ujiri only a warning.
