Roger Mason, who was recently fired as commissioner of 3-on-3 basketball league BIG3, has retaliated with strong statements, particularly how the league has discriminated black athletes.
Mason, who played 11 seasons in the NBA, was recently fired due to corruption allegations. In his defense, Mason released a statement as posted on Sports Illustrated editor Matt Dollinger's Twitter account.
In part, Mason said:
“The work environment at BIG3 has been hostile and racist resulting in the departure of valuable League personnel. Among other matters, a former employee of BIG3 recently told me that Kwatinetz has repeatedly referred to black athletes as “‘rich niggers.'”
According to TMZ Sports, Mason was tied to two Qatari investors, Ayman Sabi and Ahmed Al-Rumaihi, who allegedly withheld millions of dollars from BIG3. In a statement, the league said:
“We are writing to inform you of the decision by the BIG3 to terminate the employment of Roger Mason Jr. for cause under the terms of his employment agreement with the league.”
The league sued the two businessmen but Mason, who was commissioner during that time, was unwilling to cooperate due to his ties with the two men.
The league also said that it found evidence that the investors were giving out gifts and incentives to certain employees while at the same time, refusing to pay the league its due. It was hinted that Mason was one of the employees who received such gifts. Thus, it put into question Mason's credibility and ability in running the fledgling 3-on-3 basketball league.
BIG3 has appointed hip hop superstar and basketball aficionado Ice Cube to temporarily replace Mason as commissioner.
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