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Turkish former NBA star denies falling out with Erdogan

Basketball star Hidayet Turkoglu has denied quitting the top post of the Turkish Basketball Federation and his firing as an adviser to the Turkish president for refusing to move his money to Turkey.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 8: Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Los Angeles Clippers handles the ball against Jeremy Lamb #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game at Chesapeake Energy Arena on February 8, 2015 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Thunder defeated the Clippers 131-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Former NBA star Hidayet Turkoglu has denied media reports that he is stepping down as the head of the Turkish Basketball Federation and was fired from his job as an adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for refusing to move his fortune from the United States to Turkey.

Turkoglu responded to the claims via Twitter, saying he would continue in his twin roles as a chief adviser to Erdogan — one he was exercising “with great pride” — and as federation head. Turkoglu blamed the rumors on putative rivals seeking to dethrone him in upcoming federation elections.

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