Report: Tampering charge likely coming for Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks could face trouble for reportedly tampering with Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. (Joe Murphy/Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks have made it known they are coveting free agents Chris Paul and Dwight Howard, except the way they went about it could get them in trouble.
The team could face a tampering charge after a person in their ticket-sales department sent emails out that mentioned both Paul and Howard to potential season ticket buyers, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Hawks president Bob Williams said Tuesday that the sales letter was an "unfortunate" mistake made by a team ticket representative.
The letter names Paul and Howard as players the Hawks will target this offseason. Written on team letterhead, the letter has the headline: "Hot New Player news: Chris Paul and Dwight Howard," and says the two stars' interest in joining the Hawks is "skyrocketing."
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Teams are required to decline comment about potential free agents prior to the beginning of free agency, according to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement. The free agent period starts July 1.
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"The buzz around our offseason is more than heating up," the letter said, according to the paper. "With massive cap space, 4 draft picks, and free agency rapidly approaching, we sit in the best position in the NBA. Player interest is skyrocketing as the possibilities of landing Chris Paul & Dwight Howard become more and more of a reality. "This is your opportunity to get on board before its [sic] too late. Once we solidify our signings there will be no seats left."
