Hunter voted out as head of players' union

Billy Hunter was ousted from his job as executive director of the NBA Players' Association in a unanimous vote by players who said on Saturday they will "no longer be divided, misled, misinformed".

"This is our union and we have taken it back," players' association president Derek Fisher said.

Fisher said it was a day of change for the union, which had seemed inevitable since a review of the union last month was critical of Hunter's leadership and urged players to consider whether they wanted to keep him.

They didn't.

"We want to make it clear that we are here to serve only the best interests of the players," Fisher said. "No threats, no lies, no distractions will stop us from serving our membership."

Hunter (pictured) said in a statement that he hadn't received word of his dismissal and blasted the interim executive committee for the process it followed, saying "certain individuals made sure the outcome was pre-ordained".

"In addition, given the legitimate legal and governance 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," Hunter said. "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."

In brief remarks, Fisher said a new executive committee was elected and he will remain as president. The Spurs' Matt Bonner is vice President, Miami's James Jones is secretary-treasurer and the Nets' Jerry Stackhouse the first vice-president.

(China Daily 02/18/2013 page24)