Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver shocked by allegations of racism, sexism
Robert Sarver, the owner of the Phoenix Suns, vehemently disputed claims of "racism, sexism, and sexual harassment" leveled against him or his organization in an upcoming ESPN piece.
Jordan Schultz, co-host of PullUpPod with Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum, originally tweeted a story accusing Sarver of being about to be dismissed on Friday:
"The NBA is preparing for a massive story accusing Suns owner Robert Sarver of racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents, sources say. With enough evidence to support such claims, there’s a real chance the league would forcibly remove Sarver,'' Schultz said on Twitter.
Sarver, who also owns the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, issued a statement in response, calling the allegations "wholly shocking" and vehemently denying them.
“I am wholly shocked by some of the allegations purported by ESPN about me, personally, or about the Phoenix Suns and Mercury organizations," Sarver said in the statement. "While I can’t begin to know how to respond to some of the vague suggestions made by mostly anonymous voices, I can certainly tell you that 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."
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 22, 2021
Sarver went on to claim that he rejects "any implication of personal or organizational racism or gender discrimination" leveled at him in the statement.
“First and foremost, I reject any insinuation of personal or organizational racism or gender discrimination. I despise language that disrespects any individual, regardless of race, gender, preference, or choice. Such language has no place in business or at home in what I consider Suns and Mercury families. I am proud of our record of diversity and inclusion on both teams – whether on the court or in the front office."
Sarver wrapped up his statement by pondering how to respond to the allegations.
“I don’t begin to know how to prove that something DIDN’T happens, and it is difficult to erase or forget ugly accusations once they are made. Even hints of racism or sexism in our culture today are toxic and damaging and should not be lightly raised. I categorically deny any and all suggestions that I used disparaging language related to race or gender. I would like to think that my actions and public record regarding race, gender, or discrimination of any kind, over a lifetime in business and community service, will adequately answer any questions anyone might raise about my commitment to equality and fairness.”
In a statement, Sun's general manager James Jones backed Sarver.
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 22, 2021
"None of what’s been said describes the Robert Sarver I know, respect and like — it just doesn’t,” Jones said.
Jason Rowley, the Suns' team president and CEO, also issued a statement supporting the Suns and Mercury, saying that both organizations "take seriously any charges of racism, sexism, or harassment of any type, which have no place in our company and are not permitted."
“The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury organization takes very seriously our commitment to promoting a respectful, fun, competitive, and enriching work environment, and we are proud of our track record relating to employee wellbeing. We also take seriously any allegations of racism, sexism, or harassment of any kind, which have no place in our organization and are not tolerated. With respect to recent reports about a forthcoming ESPN article regarding Robert Sarver and our organization, I will simply say that we are aware of the false narratives it contains, and plan to respond accordingly."
The ESPN piece regarding Sarver, according to Rowley, is "absolutely obscene and inaccurate."
"It doesn’t represent — at all — the Robert Sarver I’ve worked alongside for 15 years. He’s not a racist and he’s not a sexist. I will also say that the reporter in this instance has shown a reckless disregard for the truth. He has harassed employees, former employees, and family members; used truths, half-truths, and rumors to manufacture a story in which he’s heavily invested, and then perpetuate a completely false narrative within the sports industry to back it up. His tactics throughout this process have been without any basis in journalism ethics or even morality.”
This was all part of the Suns' huge statement, which was released on Twitter in response to ESPN's announcement about the planned report.
"We understand that ESPN is considering publishing a proposed story that makes completely baseless claims against the Suns Legacy Partners, LLC organization concerning a variety of topics. Documentary evidence in our possession and eyewitness accounts directly contradict the reporter’s accusations, and we are preparing our response to his questions. We urge everyone not to rush to judgment here. Especially based on lies, innuendo, and a false narrative to attack our organization and its leadership."
The case reminds me of Donald Sterling, who was banned from the NBA in 2014 as a result of racist statements made by the then-owner of the Los Angeles Clippers in a recorded conversation, according to the league. Sterling was also slapped with a $2.5 million punishment.
The city of Phoenix was responsible for $150 million, while Sarver was responsible for the remaining $80 million as well as any cost overruns, which amounted to $15 million by this summer.
Sarver "got some live goats from a Diana Taurasi event at Talking Stick Resort Arena and planted them upstairs" in then-Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough's office, according to ESPN in 2019.
The goats reportedly defecated all over McDonough's office, which was supposed to be a practical joke and motivation for the Suns to find a "GOAT" or dominate player like the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury have in Taurasi.
However, before the 2018-19 season, he promoted Jones to replace McDonough, and Jones went on to earn the NBA executive of the year award for putting together a team that reached the finals.
Sarver also built a $45 million practice facility for the Suns and Mercury, who both made it to the WNBA Finals this season. Larry Fitzgerald, who has a minority share in the Suns, is also a close friend of Sarver's.
So, while Sarver was lauded for his role in the hiring of head coach Monty Williams for the 2019-20 season, he also received criticism for Suns starting center Deandre Ayton not receiving a rookie max extension, or any extension at all, as he enters his fourth and final year of his initial rookie deal.
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