Ferry, The First Domino

ATLANTA, Courtesy WSB TV 2 - There is new controversy over a racially-charged email within the Atlanta Hawks organization.

Channel 2’s Sports Director Zach Klein obtained 2-page letter from June 12 sent from Hawks minority owner Michael Gearon to Bruce Levenson.

In the letter, Gearon is quoted as saying “We are calling on you, as majority owner and NBA governor, to take swift and severe action against general manager Danny Ferry.

Our advisors tell us there is no other choice to ask for Ferry's resignation and if he refuses, to terminate him for cause under his employment contract.”

• READ: "Smoking gun" letter in Hawks email scandal

It was letter that started an internal investigation that eventually revealed the 2012 email from Leveson and the inappropriate and offense comments regarding African-Americans who attend games at Philips Arena.

Gearon wrote the letter after Ferry, on a conference call with management and ownership, described free agent target Luol Deng “he has a little African in him, not in a bad way, but he's a guy who would have a nice store out front, but sell you counterfeit stuff out of the back.”
             
Levenson said he voluntarily reported the email in July to the NBA, which pressured Clippers owner Donald Sterling to sell his team after he was recorded making racially charged comments. Steve Ballmer became the team's new owner Aug. 12.

"We've had continuing discussions with the league office about the incidents of disturbing statements attributed to representatives of the Atlanta Hawks' franchise," said Ron Klempner, acting executive director of the NBPA. "

We recognize that there is an ongoing investigation regarding the circumstances, and we will continue to monitor these events and take any action we deem appropriate."