Phoenix Suns

Report: NBA severely punishes Suns owner over use of N-word, inappropriate comments about female employees and more

Published by
Jonathan Sherman

In a truly shocking story, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver has been suspended for one year by the NBA and fined $10 million after allegations came to light that exhibited a sexist, racist and general unsafe environment within the Suns organization.

As the statement indicates, Sarver, “on at least five occasions,” repeated the N-word when recounting the statements of others.

He also was found to have engaged in sex-related comments and comments about the physical appearances of female employees while engaging in “inappropriate” physical conduct toward male employees.

Sarver also apparently had a propensity for taking part in “demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them.”

On top of that, Sarver was accused of pulling an employee’s pants down in front of the entire organization back in November of last year.

All of the instances discussed in the key findings of the NBA’s investigation obviously have no place in the league. At this point, it is interesting that the league has not tried to force a sale of the team in order to part ways with Sarver professionally for good.

That is what the league essentially did back in 2014 after former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was caught making racist remarks in an audio recording.

“The committee unanimously agreed to move forward as expeditiously as possible and will reconvene next week,” said NBA executive vice president Mike Bass at the time.

Though Sterling was excommunicated from the league for making racist remarks, it seems Sarver’s actions have gone even further. Not only has he proven to be comfortable making inappropriate remarks, but it also seems he has repeatedly shown a willingness to create an unsafe and unwelcoming workplace for male and female employees.

Knowing all that, it seems a one-year ban and $10 million fine is getting off easy.

The money will reportedly go to organizations that are committed to addressing race and gender-based issues in society.

Though that is all well and good, there are likely a lot of fans in and outside of Phoenix clamoring for a more permanent punishment to take place.

Jonathan Sherman

Jonathan has worked as a sports writer covering NBA and NFL news since 2017. He's a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Vikings.

Published by
Jonathan Sherman

Recent Posts

Report: NBA GM believed Grizzlies would have had to shop Ja Morant this summer before they fired Taylor Jenkins

Earlier on in the year, long before the Memphis Grizzlies dismissed Taylor Jenkins after he…

2 hours ago

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

1 day ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

2 days ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

4 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

5 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

6 days ago