NBA orders probe into racism, misogyny allegations vs Suns owner Robert Sarver | ABS-CBN
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NBA orders probe into racism, misogyny allegations vs Suns owner Robert Sarver
NBA orders probe into racism, misogyny allegations vs Suns owner Robert Sarver
Agence France-Presse
Published Nov 05, 2021 08:46 AM PHT
The NBA ordered an investigation into allegations of racism and misogyny made against Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver on Thursday in an ESPN report.
The NBA ordered an investigation into allegations of racism and misogyny made against Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver on Thursday in an ESPN report.
"The allegations contained in today's ESPN article are extremely serious, and we have directed the Wachtell Lipton law firm to commence a comprehensive investigation," NBA executive vice president of communications Mike Bass said in a statement.
"The allegations contained in today's ESPN article are extremely serious, and we have directed the Wachtell Lipton law firm to commence a comprehensive investigation," NBA executive vice president of communications Mike Bass said in a statement.
"The NBA and WNBA remain committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees.
"The NBA and WNBA remain committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees.
"Once the investigation is completed, its findings will provide the basis for any league action."
"Once the investigation is completed, its findings will provide the basis for any league action."
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Sarver, who had previously denied any wrongdoing, called for the NBA investigation earlier Thursday after the ESPN report was published.
Sarver, who had previously denied any wrongdoing, called for the NBA investigation earlier Thursday after the ESPN report was published.
"I would entirely welcome an impartial NBA investigation, which may prove our only outlet for clearing my name and the reputation of an organization of which I'm so very proud," Sarver said.
"I would entirely welcome an impartial NBA investigation, which may prove our only outlet for clearing my name and the reputation of an organization of which I'm so very proud," Sarver said.
Proven allegations of racist behavior or use of racist language could have serious implications for Sarver.
Proven allegations of racist behavior or use of racist language could have serious implications for Sarver.
In 2014, then-Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was fined $2.5 million and banned for life from the NBA after being recorded using racist language. The league later forced the sale of the team to new owners.
In 2014, then-Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was fined $2.5 million and banned for life from the NBA after being recorded using racist language. The league later forced the sale of the team to new owners.
In its report, ESPN quoted an unidentified business department employee as saying: "If the commissioner comes in and investigates (he) would be appalled."
In its report, ESPN quoted an unidentified business department employee as saying: "If the commissioner comes in and investigates (he) would be appalled."
Sarver issued a pre-emptive denial of the allegations last month, calling the story "lies, innuendo, and a false narrative" designed to "attack our organization," and repeated his denial Thursday.
Sarver issued a pre-emptive denial of the allegations last month, calling the story "lies, innuendo, and a false narrative" designed to "attack our organization," and repeated his denial Thursday.
"I continue to be shocked by the false reporting," Sarver said. "While there is so much that is innacurate and misleading in this story that I hardly know where to begin, let me be clear -- the n-word is not part of my vocabulary."
"I continue to be shocked by the false reporting," Sarver said. "While there is so much that is innacurate and misleading in this story that I hardly know where to begin, let me be clear -- the n-word is not part of my vocabulary."
According to ESPN, Sarver used a racial insult in a conversation with a Black coach, talked about sex with his wife as he showed a photo of her in a bikini and asking a woman if he "owned" her when inquiring if she worked for the Suns.
According to ESPN, Sarver used a racial insult in a conversation with a Black coach, talked about sex with his wife as he showed a photo of her in a bikini and asking a woman if he "owned" her when inquiring if she worked for the Suns.
Multiple Suns staffers recalled Sarver using racist language in conversations, ESPN reported, also quoting Sarver as saying: "I don't like diversity" when it came to the organization.
Multiple Suns staffers recalled Sarver using racist language in conversations, ESPN reported, also quoting Sarver as saying: "I don't like diversity" when it came to the organization.
The story, released on ESPN's website, stemmed from interviews with more than 70 current and former Suns employees, most of them not identified, who said Sarver repeatedly used racially insensitive language and detailed conduct seen as misogynistic and inappropriate.
The story, released on ESPN's website, stemmed from interviews with more than 70 current and former Suns employees, most of them not identified, who said Sarver repeatedly used racially insensitive language and detailed conduct seen as misogynistic and inappropriate.
"The level of misogyny and racism is beyond the pale," an unidentified Suns co-owner told ESPN about Sarver. "It's embarrassing as an owner."
"The level of misogyny and racism is beyond the pale," an unidentified Suns co-owner told ESPN about Sarver. "It's embarrassing as an owner."
- Culture lower than ever -
- Culture lower than ever -
Sarver, 59, bought the Suns in 2004 for $401 million. The franchise is now worth an estimated $1.55 billion.
Sarver, 59, bought the Suns in 2004 for $401 million. The franchise is now worth an estimated $1.55 billion.
The Suns reached last season's NBA Finals, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, but one unnamed current executive told ESPN that despite the on-court success "the culture is lower than it has ever been."
The Suns reached last season's NBA Finals, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, but one unnamed current executive told ESPN that despite the on-court success "the culture is lower than it has ever been."
Former Suns coach Earl Watson made "misrepresentations" in the ESPN story, Sarver claimed, and "created an unprofessional and toxic atmosphere" in the Suns organization.
Former Suns coach Earl Watson made "misrepresentations" in the ESPN story, Sarver claimed, and "created an unprofessional and toxic atmosphere" in the Suns organization.
The report said Sarver's conduct contributed to a workplace culture that impacted how other managers treated employees.
The report said Sarver's conduct contributed to a workplace culture that impacted how other managers treated employees.
In a Thursday statement, Suns team president and chief executive officer Jason Rowley said the Suns and WNBA Mercury "vehemently reject the claims" in the ESPN article, saying statements were twisted to fit a predetermined narrative and "unreliable sources" were used.
In a Thursday statement, Suns team president and chief executive officer Jason Rowley said the Suns and WNBA Mercury "vehemently reject the claims" in the ESPN article, saying statements were twisted to fit a predetermined narrative and "unreliable sources" were used.
"The Robert Sarver I've worked alongside for 15 years is not a racist and not a sexist," Rowley said.
"The Robert Sarver I've worked alongside for 15 years is not a racist and not a sexist," Rowley said.
"We welcome any investigation by the league to review and respond to these false accusations."
"We welcome any investigation by the league to review and respond to these false accusations."
Bass told ESPN the league has not "received a complaint of misconduct at the Suns organization" while NBA players union executive director Michele Roberts told ESPN she was unaware of any reports from players regarding misconduct by the Suns.
Bass told ESPN the league has not "received a complaint of misconduct at the Suns organization" while NBA players union executive director Michele Roberts told ESPN she was unaware of any reports from players regarding misconduct by the Suns.
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