Atlanta Hawks CEO Issues Apology To Fans In Letter, Promises Change

The Atlanta Hawks announced in an open letter Saturday that they’re going to take “a hard look” at themselves and institute strong measures in order to repair their reputation, which was damaged by racist comments made by owner Bruce Levenson and general manager Danny Ferry.

In the letter, CEO and co-owner Steve Koonin said that the organization must “own (their) shortcomings and failures.”

Koonin then apologized to Hawks fans and highlighted steps, such as hiring a chief diversity officer and working with diversity consultants, that will “help build bridges through basketball, not divide our community or serve as a source of pain.”

Koonin also promised to bring in a new owner that will “cultivate an inclusive, respected and vibrant fan base.”

The team currently us looking for suitors to purchase Levenson’s share of the team.

Below is the full letter written by Koonin to Hawks fans.