Tuesday, The Ringer published an explosive report detailing how Philadelphia 76ers president Bryan Colangelo allegedly used five burner Twitter accounts. Colangelo seemed to use the accounts to bash current and former players, disclose sensitive information, and praise himself while disparaging former Sixers General Manager Sam Hinkie.
The next day, the 76ers announced they have launched an independent investigation.
Statement from the Sixers: pic.twitter.com/ngnJTPje4y
— Jessica Camerato (@JCameratoNBCS) May 30, 2018
If Colangelo is found to indeed be the operator of the five accounts, his job will likely be vulnerable. Several Philly players have responded to the report.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
— Richaun Holmes (@Rich_Holmes22) May 30, 2018
Joel told me that @samhinkie IS BETTER AND SMARTER THAN YOU @AlVic40117560 #BurnerAccount
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) May 30, 2018
Fun night on Twitter lmao.. All jokes asides I don’t believe the story. That would just be insane
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) May 30, 2018
I don’t think it’s true.
— Trevor Booker (@35_Fitz) May 30, 2018
Can’t be lol https://t.co/6JSpG2Hppe
— Trevor Booker (@35_Fitz) May 30, 2018
Yeah I’m looking at all the evidence now and it’s not looking good 🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/kOc8w9anSP
— Trevor Booker (@35_Fitz) May 30, 2018
Other executives around the league got a laugh out of the story.
You need two blue checks to confirm you are not a burner https://t.co/eZPp2KZ3hg
— Daryl Morey (@dmorey) May 30, 2018
— Danny Ainge (@danielrainge) May 30, 2018
Actually , that was back in the day. As of the new TPA (Twitter Posting Agreement ) every NBA exec gets assigned 7 burner accounts. Let me know if I can help you get a 🔥for your accounts. BTW, loved your burner account names. @moreymeister is my fave. #FeelTheBurn https://t.co/SRn6vH6PBd
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) May 30, 2018
Sixers’ Future
Though few expected the Sixers could contend for an East title this season, the young squad rallied late in the regular season and emerged as a legitimate contender. Nonetheless, the team ran into a tough matchup in the second round, falling to Boston in five games.
Philly may look to add one more star — LeBron James, anyone? — this offseason. It is clear, however, that the team is focused on building around the emerging Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
It will be fascinating to follow this story and observe how it may impact Philly’s transactions this summer.
