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Dejounte Murray accuses New Orleans Pelicans of inside ‘sabotage’ in deleted social media posts
Dejounte Murray accused the New Orleans Pelicans of “sabotage” in two posts on X after the team’s 145-111 home defeat by Brooklyn, then deleted them. His comments raised questions about tension within the team, as he alleged that players were unhappy and criticised teammate Saddiq Bey’s positioning on a turnover.
The loss was New Orleans’ fourth in a row, leaving the Pelicans 4-8; they had also suffered a franchise-record 51-point defeat to Golden State two nights earlier. Murray scored five points in 28 minutes against Brooklyn, while reports say he is unhappy with his role and has clashed with coach Jamahl Mosley. Zion Williamson called the team’s effort unacceptable and urged players, including Murray, to reflect.
In short
- Murray alleged “sabotage” in deleted posts.
- The Pelicans have lost four straight and are 4-8.
- Zion Williamson criticised the team’s effort.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Murray’s posts could be seen as a player using his public platform to call attention to serious internal problems after a run of heavy defeats. If he believed team decisions or conduct were undermining players, speaking out may have reflected a desire for accountability and change, even if the posts were later deleted.
The case against
Publicly accusing the club of sabotage and criticising a teammate could deepen divisions when the team needs trust and coordination. Given Murray’s reported frustration with his role and his own limited scoring in the defeat, critics may reasonably question whether the posts offered a fair account or helped address the team’s problems.
Explained simply
The New Orleans Pelicans are a team in the National Basketball Association (NBA), the top men’s basketball league in the United States. Dejounte Murray is one of their players, while Jamahl Mosley is their coach and Zion Williamson is a leading member of the squad.
In basketball, players’ roles and positions affect how they work together on offence and defence. Disagreements about those roles, or about a teammate’s decisions during a play, can become a source of tension within a team.
The Pelicans’ results matter because they shape the team’s standing in the league and its chances of reaching the playoffs. Public criticism between players and a team can also prompt questions about how well the squad is working together.