Sixers: GM Colangelo allegations ‘serious’

76ers open independent investigation to look into whether Colangelo used Twitter ‘burner’ accounts

Sixers president and general manager Bryan Colangelo may have used Twitter “burner” fake-named accounts to criticize players and other NBA executives.

Whether that is accurate or not, the organization believes it to be a “serious” enough situation to open an independent investigation.

“An online media outlet filed a story linking multiple social media accounts to 76ers President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo,” the Sixers said in a statement Wednesday. “The allegations are serious and we have commenced an independent investigation into the matter. We will report the results of that investigation as soon as it is concluded.”

The investigation was inspired by a report on the sports and pop culture website “The Ringer” in which Colangelo was accused of attempting to manipulate news and opinion with the use of up to five rogue Twitter accounts.

To The Ringer, Colangelo issued this denial: “Like many of my colleagues in sports, I have used social media as a means to keep up with the news. While I have never posted anything whatsoever on social media, I have used the @Phila1234567 Twitter account referenced in this story to monitor our industry and other current events. This storyline is disturbing to me on many levels, as I am not familiar with any of the other accounts that have been brought to my attention, nor do I know who is behind them or what

their motives may be in using them.”

Among the players allegedly criticized by Colangelo was Joel Embiid. On one of the accounts alleged to be tied to Colangelo, it was said that Embiid “was like

a toddler having tantrums.” On another, Sixers guard Markelle Fultz was criticized.

Embiid indicated on social media that he did not immediately believe the stories. “That would just be insane,” the 24-year-old center posted.

Among those slammed in the rouge accounts were Sam Hinkie, Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. Formerly an executive with the Raptors,

Colangelo also allegedly ripped Toronto GM Masai Ujiri.

••• At the conclusion of the Sixers’ season, Colangelo indicated a desire to extend Brett Brown’s contract, which would have expired after the 2018-2019 season.

According to multiple reports, that extension will be good for three years.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Sixers center Joel Embiid took to Twitter in seeming delight as The Ringer’s story on Bryan Colangelo allegations went public Tuesday night. On Wednesday, however, Embiid indicated through a tweet that he didn’t believe the allegations about Colangelo...