Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, has been suspended for one year and fined $10 million by the NBA after an inquiry revealed that he engaged in “workplace misconduct and organizational flaws.”
The NBA asked a law firm to investigate allegations that Sarver had a history of racist, misogynistic, and hostile incidents during his nearly two-decade tenure as the franchise’s owner. The league’s investigation findings were released on Tuesday, nearly a year after the NBA requested the investigation.
The NBA said in a statement on Tuesday that the investigation was based on interviews with 320 persons, including current and former workers who worked for both clubs when Sarver was managing partner, as well as more than 80,000 documents and materials such as emails, text messages, and videos.
Citing a portion of the report, the NBA stated in its statement that Sarver “obviously breached common workplace standards, as reflected in team and League regulations and practices.”
“This conduct included the use of racially inappropriate language, unfair treatment of female employees, sex-related words and behaviour, and severe treatment of employees that at times constituted bullying,” the report added.
Robert Sarver will purchase the Phoenix Suns and Mercury on October 13, 2021. Christian Petersen / Getty
ESPN publicized the charges against Sarver for the first time in November 2021 after speaking with dozens of current and former club employees, including those who detailed inappropriate behavior by Sarver. His legal team first refuted or questioned the majority of the charges.
The NBA announced on Tuesday that Sarver cannot be present at any NBA or WNBA team facility, including any office, arena, or practice facility; cannot attend or participate in any NBA or WNBA event or activity, including games, practices, or business partner activity; cannot represent the Suns or Mercury in any public or private capacity; and cannot be involved in the business or basketball operations of the Suns or Mercury.
The league announced it would contribute the highest penalties permitted by NBA rule — $10 million — to “organizations committed to addressing racism and gender-based concerns outside the workplace.”
“The remarks and behavior outlined in the independent investigation’s findings are disturbing and unsatisfactory,” stated NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We think that the conclusion is appropriate, taking into account all the facts, circumstances, and context revealed by the 18-year investigation and our dedication to enforcing correct standards in NBA workplaces.”
During his suspension, Sarver will also be required to undergo a training program “centered on respect and acceptable workplace conduct,” according to the NBA.
The league will compel the Suns and Mercury to implement a number of workplace enhancements, including the hiring of external organizations that “focus on establishing a diverse, inclusive, and courteous workplace.”
Employees of these firms will be questioned periodically and anonymously to guarantee a healthy workplace culture. The NBA and WNBA must be notified immediately of any incidents or claims of severe staff misconduct.
These conditions shall remain in effect for three years.
The league stated that Sarver and the Suns and Mercury “cooperated completely with the investigation.”
“Regardless of position, influence, or intent, we must all realize the corrosive and damaging effects of racially insensitive and insulting language and conduct,” Silver added. “On behalf of the entire NBA, I apologize to everyone affected by the misbehavior detailed in the report. We must do better.”
The Suns Legacy Partners, which administers and maintains the Suns and Mercury, stated in a statement that it is committed to fostering a “safe, courteous, and inclusive work environment” and that many of the issues identified by the investigations had been addressed in recent years.
“We nevertheless accept the NBA’s findings and will implement the workstation enhancements the NBA has suggested, insofar as we have not already done so,” the statement added.
The statement added, “We are proud of the accomplishments we’ve already made, and going forward, our company will continue to establish a world-class workplace.”
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