Report: NBA denies asking Raptors to part ways with Drake
The NBA is refuting a report saying it offered to drop a $25,000 tampering fine issued to the Raptors for comments made by unpaid global ambassador and rapper Drake to Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant, according to the National Post.
Addressing the crowd at OVO Fest on Aug. 4, Drake said:
“You know, my brother [Oklahoma City Thunder star] Kevin Durant was kind enough to come to the show tonight and watch us,” Drake said. “I just want him to see what would happen if he came to play in Toronto. Let him know what would happen.”
The Globe and Mail reported this week the NBA would have rescinded the fine if the Raptors removed Drake from his position. The Raptors reportedly rebuffed the offer.
“As the Raptors’ global ambassador, Drake must follow our anti-tampering rules,” Tim Frank, the league’s senior vice-president of basketball communications, said in an email to The Canadian Press on Wednesday.
“At no point did we suggest his title be removed but we were clear that as long as he acted as a representative of the team, he is subject to the league’s rules.”
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The Raptors hired Drake in Sept. 2013 to aid their rebranding campaign.
The team has since held "Drake night" at the Air Canada Centre and featured him in promotional videos.
- Chris Johnson
