James Harden isn’t the only NBA player with a grudge. On Monday, NBA fans who frequent Facebook were welcomed by a message they hadn’t been expecting. Leaving the realm of basketball for good, the post made some rather severe claims against the NBA and its commissioner, Adam Silver.
Claims included inadequate pay and a hostile work atmosphere, prompting questions about the league’s inner workings. Like other recent incidents in which NBA players and staff have voiced their dissatisfaction with their current situations, this one represents a greater attitude of discontentment.
Ex-NBA staffer blasts league’ mistreatment of employees
The internal dynamics of the NBA were brought to light by former social media manager Dean Joannou in two posts on the league’s Facebook page, which caught many people by surprise. After reports of a hacking event, Joannou explained that he had actually accessed the accounts himself after leaving his job. It’s still not clear if hackers were responsible for this access.
Joannou announced his retirement from the NBA role and subsequent launch of his own firm, Epoch Digital Consulting, in his inaugural post, he advertised his company as the best option for affordable PR and social media management.
A former NBA employee posted this on the league’s official Facebook page this morning.
It was deleted after roughly 20 minutes. pic.twitter.com/RkLX2ZafOk
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) August 21, 2023
The NBA’s social media staff were exposed in a following tweet sent 20 minutes later, which detailed their enormous schedule, low pay, and lack of perks. As a result of Joannou’s brave actions, legitimate questions have been raised concerning the safety of these workers, and the league’s internal difficulties have been brought to light.
The post stated:
“How do I log out of this? Haven’t worked here in weeks. Anyway, the NBA overextends its social media employees greatly to the detriment of their health and social lives for a salary of less than $50k annually after taxes. I worked 14-hour shifts without breaks at times. Shoutout Adam Silver. We don’t get health insurance until 90 days on the job! That’s silly, isn’t it? Glad I resigned, no need for a job to get in the way of your happiness. Donate to mental health causes”
In spite of the fallout, Joannou’s admission highlights real issues, such as the mental toll, and explains why he has recently shifted his support to nonprofits. His bold action to link NBA Commissioner Adam Silver with these issues highlights the impact of internal affairs on Silver. In addition to drawing attention to his new business, Joannou’s posts spark discussions on the state of the industry.
NBA community reacts to ex-staffer slamming the leagues’ mistreatment of employees
Discontent among NBA followers spread on Twitter after former social media manager Dean Joannou’s Facebook page discoveries. The flaws within the NBA that Joannou exposed were directed at Commissioner Adam Silver. Rapidly voicing their unhappiness, fans took to the site to air their grievances and offer constructive feedback.
Fans responded in unison to Joannou’s honest posts, highlighting the need for openness and responsibility among the league’s administration. They took to X and said. “Wow this is just ridiculous.”
Wow this is just ridiculous https://t.co/cMJeNCd6hh
— Abira ﾒ𝟶 (@BlackBalinese25) August 21, 2023
“Sports organizations act like it’s okay to underpay and overwork people just because working there is a coveted job… Yes, working in sports is cool, but working for an org that pays you well, cares for your health, and appreciates you, is cooler.”
Sports organizations act like it’s okay to underpay and overwork people just because working there is a coveted job…
Yes, working in sports is cool, but working for an org that pays you well, cares for your health, and appreciates you, is cooler. https://t.co/WRHkAGXYcc
— Elaina Rhoades (@lovelaina) August 21, 2023
NBA social, or working anywhere in sports, is a dream job for so many people. Unfortunately, these organizations often take advantage of the high demand of applicants/interest and use that to overwork employees with low pay/poor benefits. The sports industry has to do better.”
NBA social, or working anywhere in sports, is a dream job for so many people.
Unfortunately, these organizations often take advantage of the high demand of applicants/interest and use that to overwork employees with low pay/poor benefits.
The sports industry has to do better. https://t.co/eOCjgGP0wz
— Bri Lewerke (@brilewerke) August 21, 2023
“Well, clearly one doesn’t think that all jobs are high paying. Few if any entry-level jobs have a work-life balance… to expect such is to remain unemployed. Expect to work long hours and weekends and realize this is the greatest prescription for success. Otherwise, expect to sling coffee for the rest of your life.”
Well, clearly one doesn’t think that all jobs are high paying? Few if any entry level jobs have work-life balance… to expect such is to remain unemployed.
Expect to work long hours and weekends and realize this is the greatest prescription for success. Otherwise expect to…
— roger freberg (@rogerfreberg) August 21, 2023
“He gone need this mf after Adam Silver is done with him:”
He gone need this mf after Adam Silver is done with him: pic.twitter.com/ZkFcqOY9yA
— Kick.com/Pedakin (@Pedakin) August 21, 2023
Although most of the fans were disturbed after learning about these developments, others supported Adam Silver and the league. Let us wait and watch as to what happens next and what the league has to say about this.
