Sports Illustrated released the findings of their investigation into the Dallas Mavericks organization yesterday, which they described as "a corporate culture rife with misogyny and predatory sexual behavior."
The damning report revealed the gross conduct of former team president and CEO Terdema Ussery, who repeatedly requested sex from employees and allegedly touched women's legs during meetings, as well as other forms of sexual harassment.
Ussery, who has been accused of multiple instances of inappropriate behavior during 18 years with the Mavericks, left the team in 2015 but higher-ups in the Mavs organization were reportedly dismissive when the harassment claims were brought to them during his tenure.
Dirk Nowitzki spoke about the allegations yesterday and used the words "disappointing," "heartbreaking," and "truly disgusting" to describe his thoughts.
Per ESPN,
"It's tough," Nowitzki said. "It's very disappointing. It's heartbreaking. I'm glad it's all coming out. I was disgusted when I read the article, obviously, as everybody was. I was shocked about some of the stuff."
"So really, really disappointed that our franchise, that my franchise, that stuff like that was going on," Nowitzki said. "It's very sad and disappointing. But I think [Mavericks owner Mark Cuban] is trying to step up and lead this franchise to the right direction, and that is hiring investigators, finding out all the little details that we have to know as a franchise what really was going on. I think Mark is going to step up here.
"As a franchise, obviously, we feel bad for the victims and for what happened to some of these ladies. Like I said, it's truly, truly disgusting. Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with some of these victims."
Since the SI report surfaced, the Mavericks have released a statement that they will be investigating the allegations and the NBA has vowed to "closely monitor" the independent investigation.
