Magic Johnson addressed the Los Angeles Lakers' basketball operations staff shortly after he was hired as president.
Johnson expressed excitement about turning around the Lakers, but he also made it clear he didn't accept excuses or mistakes. Johnson indicated that anyone who wasn't on board with his regime and mission should leave.
Johnson pointed toward his office and said he had "a thousand" resumes sitting on his desk and he could replace any of them at any time.
"It was shocking," said one Lakers coaching staff member who was present. "If you're going to be in this business, you bring enough pressure on yourself. You don't need more pressure, especially from someone who's supposed to be an ally."
The initial meeting set the tone for how Johnson would operate throughout his tenure.
"If you questioned him on anything, his response was always a threatening tone," said a Lakers front office staffer who interacted with Johnson directly. "He used intimidation and bullying as a way of showing authority."
A Lakers spokesperson said Johnson wasn't reprimanded for unprofessional workplace behavior and that no official complaints were filed.
"He comes off to the fan base with the big love and the smile," said one ex-Lakers athletic training official who interacted directly with Johnson. "But he's not -- he's a fear monger."
At least two staffers suffered panic attacks.
As one ex-Lakers star privately told confidants, "It's f----ng crazy over there."