Hawks GM Danny Ferry apologizes for comments about Luol Deng

Hawks general manager Danny Ferry apologized on Tuesday for insensitive comments repeated during a phone call while doing a background report on Luol Deng.

Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry apologized on Tuesday for insensitive comments repeated during a phone call while doing a background report on now Miami Heat forward Luol Deng.

Controlling owner Bruce Levenson self-reported a racially insensitive email sent two years ago. 

According to numerous reports, Ferry did not edit comments he read off a report, prompting co-owner Michael Gearon to ask controlling owner Bruce Leverson to fire Ferry, saying in part, "our advisors tell us there is no other choice but to ask for Ferry's resignation, and if he refuses, to terminate him for cause under his employment contract."

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"In regards to the insensitive remarks that were used during our due diligence process, I was repeating comments that were gathered from numerous sources during background conversations and scouting about different players," Ferry said. "I repeated those comments during a telephone conversation reviewing the draft and free agency process. Those words do not reflect my views, or words that I would use to describe an individual and I certainly regret it. I apologized to those I offended and to Luol, who I reached out to Monday morning."

- Scooby Axson