NBA investigating allegations of racist remarks, threats made by Utah Jazz vice president

The Utah Jazz said on Thursday that it will cooperate with an NBA investigation after former guard Elijah Millsap accused executive vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey of making racially-charged threats in 2015.

“The Jazz organization has zero tolerance for discriminatory behavior of any kind,” the team said in a statement. “We take these matters seriously. We have proactively engaged outside counsel to work in coordination with the NBA to thoroughly investigate this matter. We seek a comprehensive and unbiased review of the situation.”

Millsap made the allegations in a Twitter thread on Wednesday evening, saying Lindsey made “bigot remarks” during his exit interview at the end of the 2014-2015 season that also included Jazz coach Quin Snyder.

“‘If you say one more word, I’ll cut your Black ass and send you back to Louisiana,’” Millsap alleged Lindsey said.

Almost 6yrs ago. On April 16, 2015, D. Lindsey made bigot remarks in my exit interview while conversing with Q. Snyder “if u say one more word, I’ll cut your Black ass and send you back to Louisiana”.

— Elijah (@Elijah_Millsap) February 25, 2021

Lindsey categorically denied making the statement. Snyder told reporters after Wednesday’s game that he couldn’t recall the incident but said he “can’t fathom Dennis saying something like that.”

The Salt Lake Tribune noted that exit interviews are common across the league and serve as an opportunity for players and management to review the season and look forward to the future.

Millsap returned to the team for the 2015-2016 season playing 8.7 minutes per game in 20 games before being cut in January 2016.

He said he was coming forward because “bigot behavior is still very well present in our Country and should be exposed and expunged.”

“Controlling my narrative, and will teach my sons how to stand up and control their own. Inspired by the courageous souls who fight for racial equality and social justice daily,” he wrote on Twitter.

Controlling my narrative, and will teach my sons how to stand up and control their own. Inspired by the courageous souls who fight for racial equality and social justice daily.

— Elijah (@Elijah_Millsap) February 25, 2021