PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 15: Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 7 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 15, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jae Crowder may be on the trading block, and the veteran wing reportedly would be happy reuniting with the Miami Heat.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald: "We hear Jae Crowder would welcome a return to the Heat and ESPN's Brian Windhorst—while not mentioning the Heat or any team—said the Phoenix Suns are 'in trade negotiations right now. A lot of them are centered around Crowder. Crowder is a player who is available on the market right now.'"
Crowder, 32, last played for the Heat in the 2019-20 season, joining the team in a midseason trade from the Memphis Grizzlies. He helped Miami reach the NBA Finals, averaging 12 points and 5.6 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per game as a starter during that run, shooting 34.2 percent from the field.
He then signed a three-year, $29.1 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, and again helped lead the team to the NBA Finals while averaging 10.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game during that playoff run.
But while Crowder shot 38 percent from three that postseason, that number dropped to 30.2 percent last year in Phoenix's disappointing second-round exit against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.
His regular-season averages also took a small hit:
2020-21 Season: 10.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 40.4 percent from the field, 38.9 percent from three.
2021-22 Season: 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 39.9 percent from the field, 34.8 percent from three.
As for why the Suns may be shopping Crowder, it would appear they are looking for an upgrade in the starting lineup.
Per Windhorst (h/t Jeremy Cluff of the Arizona Republic): "Folks that I'm talking to, they don't get the sense that the Suns are afraid to continue to spend. It would not surprise me if the Suns get involved in the negotiations for Bojan Bogdanovic from the Utah Jazz ... several teams are bidding for him."
The Heat would be an obvious location for Crowder, giving them a tough, 3-and-D wing to replace the departed P.J. Tucker. The issue would be matching his $10.1 million contract and sending back a player the Suns were interested.
Would the Suns want to take on Duncan Robinson's $16.9 million salary, for instance? Probably not. Victor Oladipo wouldn't make much sense with Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges holding down the starting spots on the wing.
The Heat may have interest in Crowder, and vice versa, but it's hard to find a logical swap between the teams unless a third organization gets involved.
Draymond Green: 'Bulls--t' for Suns' Robert Sarver to Represent NBA, Calls for Vote
Sep 20, 2022
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 16: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors smiles and celebrates on stage after winning Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics on June 16, 2022 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has ripped Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury governor Robert Sarver, saying it's "bulls--t" that he will continue to represent the NBA after his one-year suspension.
"This report that came out last week is the total opposite of everything that the NBA stands for," Green said on his podcast The Draymond Green Show (10:55 mark). "And so to think that someone like Robert Sarver, that is acting in that manner, can continue to represent us? That's bulls--t. You can't continue to represent way more people than yourself with those views. With speaking to people the way he did, with treating African Americans and women the way he has. That's not OK."
Green also asked that there "be a vote" among NBA governors on whether to terminate Sarver's position. League rules would require at least three-quarters of the board of governors to remove him, per Baxter Holmes of ESPN.
The NBA fined Sarver $10 million and banned him for a year after an independent investigation, sparked by a November 2021 report by Holmes, found he said racial slurs, made sexist comments, ran a hostile work environment and had multiple inappropriate interactions with employees.
Reaction to the punishment was overwhelmingly negative. Green, LeBron James and Chris Paul are among several NBA players who have expressed frustration that the punishment is not befitting of the transgressions.
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.
National Basketball Players Association Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio called on Sarver to receive a permanent ban from the league. Many have pointed to how commissioner Adam Silver set a precedent in 2014 when he banned former Los Angeles Clippers governor Donald Sterling for life.
Silver called the two situations "dramatically different," though it's apparent players do not see it the same way. A former Suns staffer who spoke out about Sarver's workplace conduct also found the one-year ban to be lacking.
"It's barely a slap on the wrist and shows us the league truly doesn't stand for diversity, equity or inclusion," the staffer told Holmes. "I'm grateful to have the validation after being told I was insane, a b---h and being dramatic. That definitely lets me breathe a little.
"But I'm angry. The league failed us when they had the opportunity to stand behind its values."
Suns jersey sponsor PayPal released a statement saying it will not renew its sponsorship if Sarver remains with the franchise beyond his suspension.
NBA Rumors: Jae Crowder 'Available' on Trade Market; Suns Have Been 'Very Active'
Sep 20, 2022
DALLAS, TX - MAY 12: Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns. looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals on May 12, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly shopping one of their veteran players.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on Monday's episode of NBA Today that forward Jae Crowder is "available" and the team has been "very active" in searching for trades for him. Windhorst added that people around the league believe the Suns are not afraid to continue spending and could bring back money in the deal in hopes of putting it toward adding or retaining another player.
Crowder has spent the past two seasons with the Suns and is entering the final season of a three-year deal in which he will be making $10.2 million. He averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 67 games in 2021-22.
A second-round pick in 2012, Crowder is known for his defense and his ability to stretch the floor. The 32-year-old is also highly regarded for his locker room presence, but moving him would potentially help further the Suns' title aspirations.
Windhorst noted that he "would not be surprised" if Phoenix entered negotiations with the Utah Jazz for forward Bojan Bogdanović, who is also "available" on the market and has "several teams" pursuing him. The Suns are also working on a contract extension for 26-year-old swingman Cam Johnson in hopes of avoiding another restricted free-agent scenario after nearly losing center Deandre Ayton this offseason.
Phoenix was far and away the best team in the regular season last year, finishing with a 64-18 record. The Suns were hoping to return to the NBA Finals for a second straight year, but the team's title hopes were derailed with a loss in seven games against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The Suns will begin their quest for another run to the NBA Finals on Oct. 19 against the Mavericks.
PayPal Says It Won't Renew as Suns Sponsor If Robert Sarver Stays with Organization
Sep 16, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver attends Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PayPal announced Friday it will not renew its sponsorship agreement with the Phoenix Suns if team governor Robert Sarver remains with the organization:
PayPal is a values-driven company and has a strong record of combatting racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination. We have reviewed the report of the NBA league's independent investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and have found his conduct unacceptable and in conflict with our values. PayPal’s sponsorship with the Suns is set to expire at the end of the current season. In light of the findings of the NBA's investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension.
The NBA levied a $10 million fine and imposed a one-year suspension against Sarver after an investigation discovered a history of racist, sexist and abusive behavior.
It came after an investigative report from ESPN's Baxter Holmes detailed allegations of racism and misogyny in the workplace during Sarver's time at the helm in Phoenix.
Jahm Najafi, who owns the second-largest share of the Suns, called for Sarver to resign from his role Thursday, per Holmes.
If Sarver stays, the team could lose a significant sponsor in PayPal.
The payment processing app announced a global partnership with the Suns in 2018, which includes a logo patch on the team's jerseys. PayPal is also used throughout the Footprint Center, the team's home arena, to institute a cashless environment.
The latest news surrounding Sarver brought this partnership into question, with civil rights leader Al Sharpton recently calling for PayPal to end its relationship with the Suns, per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic.
"As someone who has dedicated my life to fighting injustice and speaking out against hate in all its forms, it is my duty and responsibility to call out such hypocrisy and to call on PayPal to uphold the values for which it proclaims to stand," Sharpton wrote.
PayPal now states "we strongly reject the conduct of Robert Sarver" but still "remain supportive of the team."
That stance could allow the partnership to continue if Sarver does indeed step down.
Suns Vice Chair Jahm Najafi Calls for Robert Sarver to Resign After NBA Suspension
Sep 16, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver attends Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
A prominent voice within the Phoenix Suns organization does not want to see Suns and Phoenix Mercury managing partner Robert Sarver back in his role.
"I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver," Jahm Najafi, who possesses the second-largest stake in the Suns behind only Sarver, said in a statement, per ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
The NBA announced Tuesday it suspended Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million after an independent investigation revealed a history of racist and sexist behaviors:
"While I have no interest in becoming the managing partner, I will work tirelessly to ensure the next team steward treats all stakeholders with dignity, professionalism and respect," Najafi continued.
Jahm Najafi, the second largest Suns stakeholder, has publicly called for the resignation of Robert Sarver in an open letter to Suns fans. pic.twitter.com/z7dMzUyHSP
He is far from the only one to express concern with Sarver being permitted to keep the team following the one-year suspension.
LeBron James and Chris Paul were among the most notable people to suggest the NBA did not do enough in its punishment:
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.
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.
What's more, National Basketball Players Association executive director Tamika Tremaglio released a statement that said Sarver "should never hold a managerial position within our league again."
Statement from Tamika Tremaglio, Executive Director of @TheNBPA, about the "horrible" conduct from Suns owner Robert Sarver to @andscape@espn who she believes "should never hold a managerial position within our league again." pic.twitter.com/q4uEU7Ke6h
Sarver's misconduct first generated national attention when Holmes reported in November 2021 that Sarver was facing allegations of racism and misogyny during his time with the Suns.
The league initiated an independent investigation from the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which summarized its findings in a 43-page report that said Sarver "said the N-word in repeating or purporting to repeat a Black person on at least five occasions during his tenure, including after being advised not to do so" and made many "sex-related comments in the workplace."
It also found he made "inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women" and "frequently engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees—including by yelling and cursing at them."
While NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Donald Sterling from the league for life and fined the former Los Angeles Clippers governor $2.5 million in 2014 when Sterling was heard making racist comments on tape, he told reporters Wednesday the Sarver situation is "dramatically different."
Yet there are a number of prominent voices who have no interest in seeing Sarver return to his role with the Suns.
LeBron James on Robert Sarver Punishment: 'Our League Definitely Got This Wrong'
Sep 14, 2022
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 20: LeBron James runs down the court during the CrawsOver Pro-Am game at Seattle Pacific University on August 20, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images)
LeBron James believes Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury managing partner Robert Sarver should face a harsher penalty than a one-year suspension and a $10 million fine.
The Los Angeles Lakers star tweeted, "Our league definitely got this wrong," adding: "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."
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.
The NBA announced Sarver's punishment Tuesday following an investigation that determined he "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards":
Sarver first came under significant scrutiny in November 2021 when ESPN's Baxter Holmes reported on multiple allegations of racism and misogyny by Sarver with the Suns.
The NBA responded by initiating an independent investigation, and the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz released its findings Tuesday in a 43-page report following interviews with 320 people and a review of more than 80,000 documents.
Notably, the investigation determined Sarver "said the N-word in repeating or purporting to repeat a Black person on at least five occasions during his tenure, including after being advised not to do so" and "made many sex-related comments in the workplace."
What's more, the probe found he "made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women" and "frequently engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees—including by yelling and cursing at them."
Given Sarver's position with the Suns and the nature of the investigation's findings, it was easy to think of the NBA's 2014 response to former Los Angeles Clippers governor Donald Sterling after he was heard making racist comments on tape.
That happened in the early days of Adam Silver's tenure as commissioner, and he responded by banning Sterling from the league and fining him $2.5 million in a move that garnered plenty of praise.
Yet Sarver has been suspended rather than banned, and James—one of the most notable voices in NBA history given the combination of his on-court accomplishments and his willingness to speak out on non-basketball issues—is among those who disagree with the punishment.
Silver held a press conference Wednesday and told reporters the Sarver situation is "dramatically different" than the Sterling one.
The commissioner said Sterling was guilty of "blatant racist conduct directed at a select group of people," while Sarver's comments were "beyond the pale" but "wholly of a different kind."
During the press conference, Silver also said, "there are particular rights here to someone who owns an NBA team as opposed to someone who is an employee" when explaining why an employee of a team might be fired for these actions but Sarver can still keep the team.
James, though, seems to think there is no room in the NBA for Sarver's return to his previous role.
NBA's Adam Silver Says Punishment of Suns' Robert Sarver Fit 'Totality' of Situation
Sep 14, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the league's punishment of Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury managing partner Robert Sarver during a Wednesday press conference.
Silver told reporters he was in "disbelief to a certain extent" regarding the Suns' workplace culture, adding the punishment was appropriate for the "totality" of the situation.
On Tuesday, the NBA announced it suspended Sarver for one year and levied a $10 million fine after an independent investigation found he "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards":
The investigation was conducted by the Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz law firm and included interviews with 320 people and a review of more than 80,000 documents. The probe was sparked by a November 2021 article from ESPN's Baxter Holmes detailing Sarver's history of racism and misogyny.
The investigation's findings were summarized in a 43-page report and determined Sarver "said the N-word in repeating or purporting to repeat a Black person on at least five occasions during his tenure, including after being advised not to do so" and "made many sex-related comments in the workplace."
It also found that he "made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women" and "frequently engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees—including by yelling and cursing at them."
The NBA responded with Tuesday's punishment, although the league did not go far enough in the eyes of some, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
"Fining a billionaire $10 million is nothing but a speeding ticket," the organization's president, Derrick Johnson, said in a statement, per Ben Golliver of the Washington Post. "They have failed to adequately address this man’s history of racism, sexism, and his years-long nourishment of a toxic culture. … This is far from accountability."
Tamika Tremaglio, who is the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, released a statement as well, saying Sarver "should never hold a managerial position within our league again."
Statement from Tamika Tremaglio, Executive Director of @TheNBPA, about the "horrible" conduct from Suns owner Robert Sarver to @andscape@espn who she believes "should never hold a managerial position within our league again." pic.twitter.com/q4uEU7Ke6h
Silver addressed concerns about the punishment Wednesday and said, "the conduct is indefensible, but I feel like we dealt with it in a fair manner."
Sarver escaped the same level of punishment levied against former Los Angeles Clippers governor Donald Sterling, who was banned for life from the NBA and fined $2.5 million in 2014 after he was heard making racist comments on tape.
That happened during Silver's first year as commissioner, and players threatened to boycott playoff games if no action was taken. The commissioner ultimately received plenty of praise for that decision.
Silver explained why the league decided not to use such a punishment with Sarver's case:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that there was no conversation with Robert Sarver about selling the Phoenix Suns, that Sarver "has evolved as a person" during his 18-year ownership tenure and that he has done "many very positive things" in his role.
Silver said this case is “dramatically different” than what happened with Donald Sterling. He has said multiple times already that he has a more context for this situation than the general public because of confidential parts of this report that add another layer of nuance.
Adam Silver: It's not that one is captured on audio and the other isn't. Mr. Sarver ultimately has acknowledged his behavior. There may be some disagreements about the edges, but it's not a factual dispute here." https://t.co/IBR0jkV3tz
The commissioner also addressed why the standard for Sarver may be different from a league employee who would be fired if they engaged in the same behaviors, saying, "there are particular rights here to someone who owns an NBA team as opposed to someone who is an employee. It's different than holding a job."
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass clarified Silver's comments in a statement:
Regarding the reaction to commissioner Adam Silver's comments today about team owners having different rights than employees, NBA spokesman Mike Bass offered this clarification: pic.twitter.com/xT8LyAejev
While the Suns issued a statement Tuesday that said, in part, the organization will "implement the workplace improvements the NBA has identified," ESPN's Holmes and Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sarver was "unaccepting of [the] idea he deserved a one-year suspension and $10M fine for his behavior. The punitive part of [the] process became largely acrimonious."
Report: Robert Sarver Will Work with NBA to Appoint Interim Suns Governor During Ban
Sep 13, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver attends Game Two of the 2021 WNBA Finals at Footprint Center on October 13, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Sky 91-86 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns and Mercury team governor Robert Sarver will work with the NBA to identify an interim replacement while he serves his one-year suspension, according to ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
The league announced Tuesday it suspended Sarver, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, and fined him $10 million following an independent investigation into the Suns' workplace culture that found he "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards."
The law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz handled the investigation. The firm's report outlines how Sarver's "conduct included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying."
The NBA noted that the investigation found that Sarver used the N-word on at least five instances and "engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees."
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz said he "used language and engaged in conduct demeaning of female employees":
Among other examples, he told a pregnant employee that she would be unable to do her job upon becoming a mother; berated a female employee in front of others and then commented that women cry too much; and arranged an all-female lunch so that female employees at Western Alliance Bank, where at the time he was CEO, could explain to female Suns employees how to handle his demands.
However, the report said there was "no finding that Sarver’s conduct was motivated by racial or gender-based animus."
Suns Legacy Partners LLC released a statement following the report's release. The group said it's "committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment."
Suns Legacy Partners LLC also claimed Sarver is "taking responsibility for his actions" and "recognizes at times during his 18 years of ownership, his conduct did not reflect his, or the Suns' values, and was inconsistent with the advancements the management team has taken with Robert's full support."
Holmes and colleague Adrian Wojnarowski, on the other hand, reported Sarver "was unaccepting of [the] idea he deserved a one-year suspension and $10M fine for his behavior."
As part of his suspension, Sarver is prohibited from being at any Suns or Mercury team facility or office. He must also refrain from involving himself in the team's business and basketball operations and cannot represent either organization at league-wide gatherings.
The 60-year-old has held majority control of the Suns since 2004, when he led a group that purchased the team.
Reverend Al Sharpton Calls for Suns' Robert Sarver to Be Removed from NBA After Probe
Sep 13, 2022
PHOENIX - NOVEMBER 04: Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver speaks during the induction of Chairman and former CEO of the Suns, Jerry Colangelo into the Ring of Honor at US Airways Center on November 4, 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
In the wake of the NBA's decision to issue a fine and suspension to Robert Sarver for racist and misogynistic behavior, Reverend Al Sharpton is calling for Sarver's removal as governor of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
Sharpton made his announcement in a statement released Tuesday:
"While I commend the league for taking this step, the report findings clearly show that Mr. Sarver has perpetrated egregious acts of racism and misogyny and should no longer be welcome in the back office or on the sidelines"@TheRevAl calls owners to vote out #Suns Robert Sarver pic.twitter.com/rKdnSsCAeI
The NBA issued a statement announcing Sarver has been suspended for one year and fined $10 million stemming from the results of an independent investigation that found he used the N-word at least five times "when recounting the statements of others."
The league also noted there were "instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees, including inappropriate comments about their physical appearance" and "sex-related comments in the workplace."
An investigation into Phoenix's workplace was commissioned by the NBA in the wake of a Nov. 2021 report from ESPN's Baxter Holmes that detailed allegations of racism and misogyny within the Suns organization throughout Sarver's tenure as governor.
In April 2014, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver fined then-Los Angeles Clippers governor Donald Sterling $2.5 million and banned him for life in the wake of a TMZ report that contained audio allegedly of Sterling making racist comments to his girlfriend, V. Stiviano.
Shelly Sterling, Donald's wife, negotiated a sale of the Clippers to Steve Ballmer for $2 billion before the league moved ahead with a planned vote to terminate the Sterlings' ownership of the franchise.
Per Holmes and Adrian Wojnarowski, even though the NBA's statement said Sarver cooperated fully with the investigation, he "was unaccepting of (the) idea he deserved a one-year suspension and $10M fine for his behavior."
Sarver purchased the Suns for a then-league record $401 million in April 2004. His purchase of the NBA club from previous governor Jerry Colangelo also included the Mercury in the WNBA.
Suns, Mercury Gov. Robert Sarver Suspended for 1 Year, Fined $10M After NBA Probe
Sep 13, 2022
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 08: Owner Robert Sarver of the Phoenix Suns attends the NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The NBA has suspended Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury managing partner Robert Sarver for one year following an investigation into the organization's workplace culture.
According to ESPN's Baxter Holmes, Sarver will work with the NBA to find an interim governor for the Suns to fill in during his suspension.
Among the investigation's findings, the NBA said Sarver "engaged in instance of inequitable conduct toward female employees, made many sex-related comments in the workplace, made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women, and on several occasions engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees."
Sarver also "engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them."
Last October, Sarver and the Suns issued statements in advance of a forthcoming report on the franchise. He said: "Some of the claims I find completely repugnant to my nature and to the character of the Suns/Mercury workplace and I can tell you they never, ever happened."
An investigation by Holmes subsequently was published Nov. 4, 2021. For the piece, Holmes spoke with more than 70 current and former team employees who described a "toxic and sometimes hostile workplace under Sarver":
"Some told ESPN that he has used racially insensitive language repeatedly in the office. Employees recounted conduct they felt was inappropriate and misogynistic, including Sarver once passing around a picture of his wife in a bikini to employees and speaking about times his wife performed oral sex on him. Some said the longtime owner fostered an environment in which employees felt they were his property, even once asking one woman whether he 'owned' her to determine whether she worked for the Suns."
Holmes opened his article with an alleged exchange in 2016 between Sarver and then-Suns head coach Earl Watson. Following a game against the Golden State Warriors, Watson said Sarver complained that Warriors star Draymond Green could say the N-word without repercussion, and Sarver used the full racial slur.
Sarver also allegedly said to one staffer, "These [N-words] need a [N-word]," in 2013 to explain why he preferred to hire a Black head coach—Lindsey Hunter—over associate head coach Dan Majerle.
Sarver disputed both allegations and said in a statement that Watson "is clearly not a credible source."
The NBA is expected to soon launch an investigation into the allegations reported today by ESPN’s @baxter Holmes against Suns majority owner Robert Sarver … and Sarver just issued a statement in response that closes by essentially acknowledging an investigation is forthcoming: pic.twitter.com/xJswSUl3vR
Holmes' investigation included allegations that didn't implicate Sarver directly but raised questions about his stewardship of the Suns behind the scenes.
One former female employee said she was physically assaulted by a male co-worker away from team facilities. The human resources department was made aware of the assault, and the woman said its only response was to move her desk farther away from the co-worker.
One woman said the toxic atmosphere inside the office "breaks you," and another said it "wrecked my life" and made her consider suicide.
Holmes also reported that employees feared retaliation if they spoke with HR about any concerns they had. A current staffer described HR as "the last place you go."
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass called the details alleged in Holmes' report "extremely serious" and said the league was bringing in the Wachtell Lipton law firm to oversee an investigation.
Sarver faced additional scrutiny after Holmes reported Penny Sarver, Robert's wife, reached out to at least three former Suns employees following his initial story: "These former employees say they consider the messages an attempt to intimidate them."
In one message, Penny issued what could be construed as a veiled threat: "If something happens to one of my children, I will hold you and Earl Watson personally responsible. Think about your own child for a second and imagine the tables turned."
She said she did send the messages but denied that intimidation was her intent and called it "as silly as it is wrong and outrageous."
Many wondered how the NBA would respond.
The league banned then-Los Angeles Clippers governor Donald Sterling for life in 2014 after he was caught on tape making racist remarks. Months later, Bruce Levenson sold his stake in the Atlanta Hawks after a 2012 email surfaced in which he made racist comments.
Tim Bontemps of the Washington Post reported in 2017 that Sarver might be open to selling the franchise and that "the league would likely be quite happy if Sarver chose to move on" because of the Suns' prolonged futility. Sarver disputed the report.
Phoenix's fortunes on the court improved in the following years, and the team reached the 2021 NBA Finals.
