NBA launches probe into Phoenix Suns owner

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NBA launches probe into Phoenix Suns owner
NBA launches probe into Phoenix Suns owner

The National Basketball Association opened a formal investigation into the Phoenix Suns and owner Robert Sarver after allegations of racism and misogyny in an ESPN report released Thursday.

“The allegations contained in today’s ESPN article are extremely grave and we have directed the Wachtell Lipton law firm to conduct a full investigation,” the NBA said on Thursday.

“The NBA and the WNBA continue to strive to offer all employees a respectful and inclusive workplace,” the league continued. “Once the investigation is completed, its results will form the basis for all action by the league.”

The investigation comes after a long-awaited ESPN report that exposed multiple allegations of racism and misogyny against Sarver during his 17-year tenure as the owner of the Suns. ESPN’s coverage was based on interviews with over 70 current and former Suns employees.

In anticipation of the report, the Sonnen denied in October that Sarver was racist and sexist.

Sarver denied the allegations on Thursday, calling the report “inaccurate and misleading,” according to NBC Sports. He also welcomed the investigation launched by the league.

“At this point, I would wholeheartedly welcome an impartial NBA investigation that could prove to be our only way to clear my name and reputation for an organization I’m so proud of,” said Sarver.

The ESPN article contains several cases of Sarver and his lawyers denying or contesting various claims.

Former Suns head coach Earl Watson, who is currently an assistant to the Toronto Raptors and quoted in the ESPN story, applauded those who commented on Sarver’s behavior.

“I would like to commend the courage of the numerous players, executives and employees in using their truth to fight the toxic environments of racial insensitivity, sexual harassment and microaggression,” Watson said in a Twitter post.

The allegations in the ESPN report included Sarver’s alleged use of the N-word by coaches and players on multiple occasions.

In one such case, Sarver allegedly used the word while speaking to Watson about Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green after a game in 2016, the report said. Watson said he repeatedly told Sarver not to use the word, ESPN reported.

Sarver, who bought the Suns in 2004 for a record $ 401 million, denied the allegations about his use of the N-word to ESPN.

“I have never referred to anyone or any group of people with the N-word or referred to anyone or any group of people with the N-word, either verbally or in writing,” Sarver told ESPN through his legal team. “I don’t use that word. It’s hideous and ugly and degrading and against everything I believe in.”

Other allegations in the ESPN report relate to alleged misogynist and inappropriate behavior.

Employees claimed Sarver repeatedly asked players about their “sex life and the sexual prowess of their significant other,” ESPN reported.

Others reported a time when Sarver allegedly passed a photo of his wife in a bikini to employees and discussed times when she had oral sex with him, the report said.

Some employees also claimed that Sarver promoted an environment where employees felt like their own, the report said. Sarver reportedly asked a woman if he “owned” her to see if she was a Suns employee.

The recent allegations of racism and sexism among NBA executives have resulted in a variety of consequences. In 2014, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, was banned and fined $ 2.5 million by the NBA after a leaked audio of him making racist comments.

Tony Ronzone, the director of the Dallas Mavericks ‘players’ staff, was also fired in April after allegations of sexual assault were published in Sports Illustrated in 2020.

The previous Thursday, Sun vice chairman Jahm Najafi offered support for a possible investigation into Sarver.

“The behavior he is alleged to have committed made me stunned and saddened and is unacceptable,” Najafi said in a statement. “The well-being and safety of every Suns employee, player, coach and stakeholder is our first priority. My heartfelt condolences go to all whose lives and jobs are affected.”

He added, “The Phoenix Suns are a national treasure that belongs to all of us as fans and residents of our community. Team investors are just temporary stewards of this treasure.”

Najafi recently made efforts to promote racial diversity and equality following the racial justice protests in 2020.

In February, Najafi teamed up with former NFL star and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick to create Mission Advancement, a special-purpose acquisition company that works for diversity and justice, according to the Seattle Times. The SPAC intends to raise $ 287 to acquire a private company that shares the same commitment.

Najafi also has a stake in the NBA Foundation, established in August, which aims to “promote economic empowerment in black communities” by funding placement programs and the workforce of black youth, according to the Seattle Times. The foundation was set up just three weeks before the three-day boycott of NBA players to raise awareness of the Wisconsin police shooting of Jacob Blake.

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of the name of Sun Vice Chairman Jahm Najafi.

CNBC’s Jessica Golden contributed to this report.

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