Danny Ferry has been hired as a special advisor to the New Orleans Pelicans, the team announced today.

"I am excited to announce Danny Ferry has accepted our offer to join the New Orleans Pelicans basketball operations staff as a special advisor,” said Pelicans General Manager Demps in a statement released by the team. “Danny’s experience, insight and achievements will be a welcomed addition to the Pelicans as we continue our quest to improve the team.”

Just less than two years ago, during a conference call with Hawks ownership, Ferry read aloud a racially insensitive comment about Miami Heat forward Luol Deng from a scouting report. The audio was eventually leaked.

The comments from the report stated Deng "has a little African in him. He's like a guy who would have a nice store out front and sell you counterfeit stuff out of the back."

Ferry publicly stated how sorry he was, noting that he may have been reading off a third party scouting report, but still made a mistake.

Ferry eventually asked for an indefinite leave of absence while an independent investigation took place. The investigation cleared Ferry of any ethnic or racial wrongdoing, as it was determined he was only reading a scouting report done by a third party, while Ferry himself lauded Deng as a player and professional, attempting to sign him to the Hawks.

Nevertheless, Ferry eventually resigned as Hawks GM 10 months after taking his leave of absence.

Before his time with the Hawks, Ferry worked as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers and executive VP of basketball operations with the San Antonio Spurs.

During his time in San Antonio he worked with Demps, who recommended to New Orleans ownership to hire Ferry, per ESPN's Marc Stein.

 

 

 

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