After an NBA investigation into allegations of racism and misogyny, Robert Sarver, the owner of the Phoenix Suns, was given a one-year suspension and fined $10 million.
The NBA found Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards”.
It found evidence of “racially insensitive language, unequal treatment of female employees and sex-related statements and conduct”.
Sarver’s treatment of employees also “on occasion constituted bullying.”
An ESPN report from November 2021 served as the impetus for the investigation, which involved 320 witnesses and the examination of 80,000 documents and recordings.
However, while the NBA fined Sarver the maximum amount possible under its rules, the report stated it “makes no finding that Sarver’s conduct was motivated by racial or gender-based animus.”
Sarver’s punishment is less harsh than that of Donald Sterling, the former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, who received a lifetime NBA ban in 2014 after being caught on tape uttering racial slurs in a private chat. Later, the league compelled the team’s sale to new owners.
In a statement reacting to his fine and suspension, Sarver, who also owns the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, said: “Good leadership requires accountability.
“For the Suns and Mercury organizations, that begins with me.
“While I disagree with some of the particulars of the NBA’s report, I would like to apologize for my words and actions that offended our employees. I take full responsibility for what I have done. I am sorry for causing this pain, and these errors in judgment are not consistent with my personal philosophy or my values.”