ATLANTA — Atlanta Hawks owner Bruce Levenson announced on Sunday that he would be selling his controlling interest in the team, after reporting a racially sensitive email he sent in 2012.
The email, which Channel 2 Action News obtained a complete copy of, cites Levenson's concerns that there is a largely black crowd at the Hawks games, and that "the cheerleaders are black." He says in the email that he attributes the crowd to low sales, saying that they do not have a spendable income.
Sunday night Hawks co-owner and CEO Steve Koonin told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution that other disciplinary action will be taken, including against general manager Danny Ferry.
The announcement comes on the heels of the outrage sparked by former LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
Atlanta Hawks fans said they were shocked to hear what Levenson wrote in the email.
"We're in what, 2014? And we're still having these issues. Need to do a little bit better. Can we find somebody else to own the teams that are not racist?," asked Yolanda Swint. "Once you get the wins, it'll be packed all across the board and they won't have to worry about a black and white issue."
Local civil rights leaders said they are upset and angry by Levenson's remarks. They plan to meet Monday morning to condemn the statements.
"Over the past several years, I've spent a lot of time grappling with low attendance at our games and the need for the Hawks to attract more season ticket holders and corporate sponsors. Over that time, I've talked with team executives about the need for the Hawks to build a more diverse fan base that includes more suburban whites, and I shared my thoughts on why our efforts to bridge Atlanta's racial sports divide seemed to be failing.
In trying to address those issues, I wrote an e-mail two years ago that was inappropriate and offensive. I trivialized our fans by making clichéd assumptions about their interests (i.e. hip hop vs. country, white vs. black cheerleaders, etc.) and by stereotyping their perceptions of one another (i.e. that white fans might be afraid of our black fans). By focusing on race, I also sent the unintentional and hurtful message that our white fans are more valuable than our black fans.
If you're angry about what I wrote, you should be. I'm angry at myself, too. It was inflammatory nonsense. We all may have subtle biases and preconceptions when it comes to race, but my role as a leader is to challenge them, not to validate or accommodate those who might hold them.<br/> I have said repeatedly that the NBA should have zero tolerance for racism, and I strongly believe that to be true. That is why I voluntarily reported my inappropriate e-mail to the NBA.
After much long and difficult contemplation, I have decided that it is in the best interests of the team, the Atlanta community, and the NBA to sell my controlling interest in the Hawks franchise.<br/> He said Hawks CEO Steve Koonin will oversee all team operations and take all organizational reports as they proceed with the sale process.
"I'm truly embarrassed by my words in that e-mail, and I apologize to the members of the Hawks family and all of our fans.
To the Hawks family and its fans, you have my deepest gratitude for the past ten years. Working with this team and its extraordinary executives, coaching staff, and players has been one of the highlights of my life. I am proud of our diverse, passionate, and growing legion of Hawks fans, and I will continue to join you in cheering for the best team in the NBA," Levenson said.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said he is glad the NBA is standing behind their no-tolerance policy.
<span>"The published remarks made by Atlanta Hawks Controlling Owner Bruce Levenson are reprehensible and offensive. The statements do not represent the City of Atlanta's history of diversity and inclusion, and we will be clear and deliberate in denouncing and repudiating them," Reed said in a statement. "I applaud the NBA's efforts to enforce a no-tolerance policy of discrimination. As a city, we will continue to stand behind the Atlanta Hawks organization as they work to find new ownership that reflects the values and ideals of a city that is too busy to hate."</span>
Chairman of the Fulton County Board of commissioners John Eaves said he applauds Levenson's decision to sell the team.
"I applaud Mr. Levenson's decision to divest himself of his ownership stake in the Atlanta Hawks franchise. As a Hawks fan and an African-American, I am saddened, disappointed and upset by the comments made by Mr. Levenson in an email to members of his staff. The comments about African-American fans and their presence at Hawks' games were deeply offensive. Such comments are unacceptable and have no place in professional sports or society overall. My hope is that the NBA takes quick and decisive action in this matter and that new ownership will aggressively work to repair the franchise's relationship with this community."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement about Levenson's decision.
"I commend Mr. Levenson for self-reporting to the league office, for being fully cooperative with the league and its independent investigator, and for putting the best interests of the Hawks, the Atlanta community, and the NBA first."