NBA Investigating Allegations From Millsap Against Jazz VP Lindsey
Feb 25, 2021, 5:17 PM
Justin Zanik and Dennis Lindsey (Photo: Ben Anderson)
(Photo: Ben Anderson)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Jazz are working with the NBA on an external investigation into allegations of bigoted comments made towards former Jazz guard Elijah Millsap.
On Wednesday night, Millsap sent a thread of tweets alleging Jazz vice president of basketball operations Dennis Lindsey had used racially pointed language during an end-of-season meeting with the guard in 2015.
“Almost 6yrs ago. On April 16, 2015, D. Lindsey made bigot remarks in my exit interview while conversing with Q. Snyder,” Millsap tweeted. “‘if u say one more word, I’ll cut your Black ass and send you back to Louisiana.’”
Shortly after the tweets were sent, Lindsey “categorically” denied the allegations.
“The Jazz organization has zero tolerance for discriminatory behavior of any kind,” the release stated. “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.”
Though this doesn’t actually say either Elijah Millsap or Dennis Lindsey, the @UtahJazz say they are engaging with outside counsel to investigate workplace behavior within the organization. pic.twitter.com/AZgjVhlYA5
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) February 25, 2021
“The probe will include the sharing of detailed notes taken in the April 2015 meeting that was attended by Millsap and three Jazz officials,” according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski reported that the Jazz have retained outside counsel to assist the NBA in its review.
In the tweets, Millsap alleged that Jazz coach Quin Snyder was present for the comments, a conversation Snyder said he couldn’t remember.
Former @UtahJazz guard Elijah Millsap accused Jazz VP Dennis Lindsey of racially pointed remarks in 2014. #TakeNote https://t.co/G56ETVChHD
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 25, 2021
“Honestly, I don’t remember the conversation,” Snyder said. “But I’d be shocked if — I can’t fathom Dennis saying something like that.”
According to ESPN, then Jazz assistant general manager Justin Zanik was present at the meeting and tasked with keeping detailed notes of the conversation.
Millsap spent the 2014-15 season and 2015-16 season with the Jazz, and was waived from the roster on January 15, 2016.
Lindsey has served in an executive role with the team since 2012.
