Detroit Pistons assistant general manager Rob Murphy has been temporarily removed from his role due to an investigation that reportedly centers on an allegation of workplace misconduct involving a former employee.
The investigation was confirmed by a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday night on condition of anonymity because the investigation, first reported by ESPN, remains ongoing.
A message was left for Murphy seeking comment. The Pistons declined to comment on the matter.
Murphy was promoted to assistant general manager in June after serving as president and general manager of the G League’s Motor City Cruise, an affiliate of the Pistons, for nearly two years. He was a college basketball coach with Eastern Michigan from 2011 to 2021 and went 166-155. Previously, he was an assistant coach at Syracuse and Kent State.
The investigation comes less than a month after the Celtics suspended coach Ime Udoka for the season following an investigation by a law firm that revealed multiple violations of team policies. The violations included an inappropriate relationship with a woman who works for the organization, people familiar with the situation told the AP.
Also last month, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was suspended for one year and fined $10 million by the NBA for workplace misconduct that included racist language and hostile behavior toward employees.
Several years ago, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban agreed to contribute $10 million to help advance the cause of women in sports and raise awareness of domestic violence after an investigation substantiated numerous incidents of sexual harassment. and inappropriate workplace conduct within the franchise dating back more than 20 years.
The Pistons face the New York Knicks on the road Friday night after opening the season with a win over the Orlando Magic.
