NBA denies asking Toronto Raptors to dump Drake
By Phil Watson
The NBA is disputing reports it offered to drop a fine for tampering if the Toronto Raptors agreed to remove Toronto rapper Drake’s title as global ambassador for the franchise.
According to the National Post, an NBA official said no such offer or request was made regarding Drake’s status with the Raptors.
Tim Frank, the league’s senior vice president of basketball communications said in an email to The Canadian Press:
"“As the Raptors’ global ambassador, Drake must follow our anti-tampering rules.“At no point did we suggest his title be removed but we were clear that as long as he acted as a representative of the team, he is subject to the league’s rules.”"
The Raptors were fined after Drake told Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant during a Toronto concert earlier this month that Canada would welcome the league’s MVP.
"“Before we leave, I just want to show one of my brothers something,” Drake said. “You know, my brother Kevin Durant was kind enough to come to the show tonight and watch us. I just want him to see what would happen if he came to play in Toronto. Let him know what would happen.”"
The crowd roared its approval.
Durant, a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA scoring champion, is signed with the Thunder through the 2015-16 season and his potential free agency is already becoming a hot topic in NBA circles, because, well, the biggest name that appears to be potentially available in 2015 is Rajon Rondo.
Unless Andrea Bargnani counts, that is.