American Businessman Robert Sarver has got a suspension from the NBA for a year and he was fined $10 million. The Phoenix Suns owner who also owns the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA was claimed to be involved in misconduct and violating workplace standards.
A lot of fans still believe that this is long delay as there have been several rumors, that had shed a negative light over Sarver. Although, the NBA had to thoroughly conduct an investigation into the Sun franchise to prove the rumors were true.
On Tuesday, the punishment was announced by NBA, saying the investigation found that at the time of his time with the Suns and Mercury, Sarver used the N-word at least five times “when recounting the statements of others.”
NBA stated that there also were “instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees,” which included “sex-related comments” and inappropriate comments on the appearances of the employees.
Following a story published by ESPN in November 2021 that described allegations of racism and misogyny during Sarver’s 17 years as owner, NBA commissioned an investigation.
In the meantime, in a statement, the NBA said that Sarver “cooperated fully with the investigative process,” league sources told ESPN’s Baxter Holmes and Adrian Wojnarowski that he was not accepting the idea that he deserved a one-year suspension and a $10 million fine for his behavior. Sources said the punitive part of the process became hugely rancorous.
The investigation, led by New York-based law firm Wachtell Lipton, found that Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and league rules and policies.”
Sarver stated in a statement through the Suns, “While I disagree with some of the particulars of the NBA’s report, I would like to apologize for my words and actions that offended our employees. I take full responsibility for what I have done. I am sorry for causing this pain, and these errors in judgment are not consistent with my personal philosophy or my values.”
“I accept the consequences of the NBA’s decision. This moment is an opportunity for me to demonstrate a capacity to learn and grow as we continue to build a working culture where every employee feels comfortable and valued.”
The Suns stated that they are “committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.” Adding that “at the direction of senior leadership,” they have “strengthened” their culture and “focused on creating a workplace where everyone feels included and valued.”
The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing. We believe the outcome is the right one, taking into account all the facts, circumstances and context brought to light by the comprehensive investigation of this 18-year period and our commitment to upholding proper standards in NBA workplaces,” read an official statement from NBA commissioner Adam Silver. [H/T ESPN]
