Memphis VP of operations found dead

Dana Davis, vice president of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been found dead in his apartment. He was 56.

The Grizzlies confirmed Davis' death in a statement Wednesday night without elaborating. The Commercial Appeal reported Davis had not been heard from since Tuesday, prompting team personnel to enter his apartment Wednesday with officers from the Memphis Police Department where they found Davis.

Davis, who was nicknamed ''Double D,'' oversaw player development programs for the Grizzlies and handled the travel schedule, accommodations and security on the road.

Owner Michael Heisley said Davis was an original member of the management team when he bought the Grizzlies in 2000 and added that he would be greatly missed.

Davis also had served on the board of the National Civil Rights Museum.