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SAG-AFTRA’s David White said to be candidate to lead NBA Players Assn.

David White was the Screen Actors Guild's national executive director when he posed for this portrait in his office in 2009.
David White was the Screen Actors Guild’s national executive director when he posed for this portrait in his office in 2009.
(Stefano Paltera / For The Times)
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David White, the national executive director of SAG-AFTRA, could be headed to the National Basketball Players Assn.

White, 45, is a leading candidate to become executive director of the NBA Players Assn., two people familiar with the matter said.

SAG-AFTRA declined to comment on the situation, which was first reported by Yahoo Sports on Friday.

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White has been interviewed by NBA Player Assn. President and Clippers star Chris Paul and by the executive committee’s members, sources said.

If he is selected for the job, White would be taking over the NBA Players Assn. at a tumultuous time, replacing Billy Hunter, who was fired from the association amid allegations of nepotism, bribery and abuse of resources. Hunter sued the union last May alleging defamation and breach of contract.

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White, however, is used to stepping into troubled organizations. The NBA Players Assn. is said to be interested in White in part because of his success in bringing stability to the Screen Actors Guild after the 2009 firing of previous Executive Director Doug Allen, a former NFL Players Assn. veteran.

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White’s departure would be a blow to SAG-AFTRA, which represents more than 125,000 actors and other performers.

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The former SAG general counsel joined the guild five years ago as national executive director and guided it through a merger with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The two unions merged in March 2012.

The former labor and employment lawyer for O’Melveny & Myers has a year left on his contract, which was extended in May 2012.

ALSO:

SAG-AFTRA Board confirms David White as executive editor

SAG-AFTRA reaches deal with record labels

SAG-AFTRA members give thumbs up to merger

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