Ferry is at the center of a Hawks scandal that involves racially insensitive comments on two fronts. Hawks owner Bruce Levenson resigned amid turmoil after a 2012 e-mail in which he made racist remarks was revealed. Now, Ferry will also step down, although it remains unclear if or when he will return to his post as general manager.
MORE: Ferry paraphrased report | Ferry audio | Deng statement
Soon after it was announced that he would step away from the team for an indefinite amount of time, Ferry released a statement in which he praised and apologized to Deng. He also extended an apology to all who were offended by the words he “repeated.”
Prior to Ferry’s decision, NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated that he did not view Ferry’s comments as grounds for termination and believed the Hawks should handle the matter internally.
In Ferry’s absence, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer will take over basketball operations and make free-agent decisions on behalf of the team. He will report to Koonin, who sent out the initial release on Ferry’s leave of absence.
