The NBA has concluded their seven-month long investigation into the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and the "real-life Animal House" culture that was alleged in a Sports Illustrated piece back in February.
The Sports Illustrated report described "a corporate culture rife with misogyny and predatory sexual behavior" in the Mavericks' organization, including multiple allegations against former CEO and president Terdema Ussery, who repeatedly requested sex from employees and allegedly touched women's legs during meetings, as well as other forms of sexual harassment. Ussery left the Mavs in 2015 and has since been replaced by Cynthia Marshall.
As a result of the investigation, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has announced that owner Mark Cuban has agreed to contribute $10 million to women's organizations, but will not face any other punishment.
"The findings of the independent investigation are disturbing and heartbreaking and no employee in the NBA, or any workplace for that matter, should be subject to the type of working environment described in the report," Silver said in a statement Wednesday. "We appreciate that Mark Cuban reacted swiftly, thoroughly and transparently to the allegations first set forth in Sports Illustrated -- including the immediate hiring of Cynthia Marshall as CEO to effect change."
According to ESPN, the team said Cuban's $10 million donation will be earmarked for organizations that promote women's leadership and development in sports as well as those that combat domestic violence.
"As Mark has acknowledged, he is ultimately responsible for the culture and conduct of his employees," Silver's statement said. "While nothing will undo the harm caused by a select few former employees of the Mavericks, the workplace reforms and the $10 million that Mark has agreed to contribute are important steps toward rectifying this past behavior and shining a light on a pervasive societal failing -- the inability of too many organizations to provide a safe and welcoming workplace for women."
Under new CEO Cynthia Marshall, the Mavericks have since implemented a 100-day plan by revamping the team's code of conduct, putting employees through workplace training and strengthening a zero-tolerance policy, according to ESPN.
