Derek Fisher responded on Tuesday evening to a report from columnist Jason Whitlock of Fox Sports.

“The statements made in recent articles on the Fox Sports website are inexcusable. Among the many baseless accusations, to allege that I am working with the league for my personal gain is unequivocally false. The implication that I am doing anything but working in the best interests of the players is disgusting, defamatory and a flat out lie. I have issued a letter through my attorneys demanding a retraction for the libelous and defamatory stories the site and reporter have continued to publish.

"Regardless of the media reports, the Players Association, our staff, Executive Director and Executive Committee are unified and working side by side to serve our players.

"There should be no more distractions. We must continue to negotiate a fair deal for our players.”

Whitlock's report said Fisher "promised (David Stern) he could deliver the union at 50-50" of BRI.

No additional member of the media has substantiated the report.