Bryan Colangelo agrees to part ways with Philadelphia 76ers over burner account scandal

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 24: General Manager Bryan Colangelo attends a press conference after the Philadelphia 76ers introduce Ben Simmons and Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot from the 2016 NBA Draft on June 24, 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly finished their investigation into the Twitter accounts connected to general manager Bryan Colangelo and will part ways with the beleaguered executive, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

A report published by The Ringer last week detailed Colangelo’s connection to five Twitter accounts which, over the course of 18 months, exposed private information and gave extraordinary insight into the general manager’s thinking. The 76ers announced an internal investigation into the situation days later.

The Twitter accounts pestered reporters and fans with details and opinions regarding personnel and coaching decisions. The most prominent, @AlVic40117560, or “Eric jr,” tweeted out unreported information about dissolved trades involving Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, in addition to secret details about 2017 No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz’s shoulder problems and superstar Joel Embiid’s injury history.

In the wake of the twitter burner account probe, Bryan Colangelo's departure in Philadelphia is expected to be described as a resignation, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 7, 2018

Over the course of the past week, the 76ers’ investigation began to center around Colangelo’s wife, Barbara Bottini, ESPN reported. The investigation stretched longer than expected before seemingly resolving itself this week when Philadelphia owners met to discuss Colangelo’s fate.

Immediately following the report of Colangelo’s resignation, Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice reported that the deliberation was forced by Jerry Colangelo, Bryan’s father, who threatened to “interfere with club relationships around the league” should the 76ers decide to part ways with their general manager.

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Facing an important summer that includes decisions on the No. 10 overall draft pick as well as salary cap space and aspirations of acquiring a star free agent like LeBron James, the 76ers needed to make a decision swiftly. Many believed it would be difficult to keep a compromised Colangelo in place in the front office as the franchise embarked on such an important summer conquest.

Philadelphia coach Brett Brown will oversee basketball operations until Colangelo’s replacement is named. Candidates such as ex-Cleveland executive David Griffin and Danny Ferry, who the 76ers have spoken with in the past, have been mentioned in the wake of The Ringer’s report.