Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver has announced that he has started the process to sell both franchises.
The move comes after Sarver was handed a one-year ban and $10million fine by the NBA following a league investigation into allegations that he engaged in racism, sexism, and bullying.
The NBA revealed it found that Sarver used the N-word on at least five occasions among other transgressions, including the use of language and conduct demeaning to female employees, from his nearly two-decade tenure as owner of the Suns and WNBA’s Mercury.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Sarver said: ‘Words that I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together – and strengthened the Phoenix area – through the unifying power of professional men’s and women’s basketball.
‘As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and the path to forgiveness. I expected that the commissioner’s one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love.
‘But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible – that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past. For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury.
Phoenix Suns and Mercury Robert Sarver has announced that he has started the process to sell both franchises
‘I do not want to be a distraction to these two teams and the fine people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world. I want what’s best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, the fans, the community, my fellow owners, the NBA and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone.
‘In the meantime, I will continue to work on becoming a better person, and continuing to support the community in meaningful ways. Thank you for continuing to root for the Suns and the Mercury, embracing the power that sports has to bring us together.’
Although witnesses claimed to have heard Sarver use the racist slur, the investigation found that he was either repeating the N-word or purporting to do so. The NBA did not find that Sarver used the term ‘with the intent to demean or denigrate.’
The move comes after Sarver was handed a one-year ban and $10million fine by the NBA
In addition to saying the N-word ‘at least five times,’ Sarver is also accused of using language and engaging in conduct demeaning to female employees, including the time he asked a pregnant worker if she would be unable to perform her duties after becoming a mother. The unidentified woman was told by a team executive to start looking for a new job, and was ultimately demoted.
Since the report was released, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has called for Sarver to be banned for life.
Executive director Tamika Tremaglio told ESPN she was speaking on behalf of NBA players in saying they were ‘absolutely calling for’ a lifetime ban.
Meanwhile, Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi had called on Sarver to resign as owner and Phoenix’s jersey sponsor – PayPal – said they would not continue to sponsor the Suns if Sarver returned.
The punishment was slammed by several NBA stars, including LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green, as some called for a lifetime ban.
A member of Sarver’s own team, Phoenix Suns Guard Chris Paul, said he was left ‘horrified and disappointed’ by the report on Sarver’s conduct as he slammed the NBA’s sanctions as insufficient.
Paul took to Twitter to hit out at the sanctions, believing that Sarver should have faced a harsher punishment.
Paul hit out at the sanctions, believing that Sarver should have faced a harsher punishment
He posted: ‘Like many others, I reviewed the report. I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read. This conduct especially towards women is unacceptable and must never be repeated.
‘I am of the view that the sanctions fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behavior. My heart goes out to all of the people that were affected.’
Lakers superstar James hit out at the NBA for their handling of the situation as he insisted there is no place for ‘that kind of behavior’ in the league.
On Twitter he posted: ‘Read through the Sarver stories a few times now. I gotta be honest… Our league definitely got this wrong. I don’t need to explain why.
The Lakers superstar insisted there is no place for ‘that kind of behavior’ in the league
‘Y’all read the stories and decide for yourself. I said it before and I’m gonna say it again, there is no place in this league for that kind of behavior.
‘I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership. But this isn’t right.
‘There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any work place. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this aint it.’
Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors star Green called for NBA owners to vote to determine whether Sarver should be removed as Phoenix Suns majority owner as he labeled his punishment ‘bulls***’.
The NBA rules state that in order for an owner to be removed, it needs three-quarters of its board of governors to agree to start the process. Last week, commissioner Adam Silver made it clear that he cannot act alone on ‘the right to take away his team,’ referring to Sarver, in a press conference.
More to follow.
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