Owner Robert Sarver stands with the Western Conference Championship trophy after the Suns defeat the LA Clippers to win the series in the sixth game of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center on June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The Suns beat the Clippers to advance to the NBA Finals.
Harry How | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns denied allegations of racism, sexism and harassment against owner Robert Sarver on Friday before a “proposed story” was released by ESPN.
“This story is utterly outrageous and wrong,” said Suns CEO and President Jason Rowley in a statement released by the team. “It does not represent – at all – Robert Sarver, with whom I have worked for 15 years. He’s not a racist or a sexist. “
The explanation comes after NBA podcast host Jordan Schultz said in a tweet that a report was being released containing allegations against Sarver that could “forcibly” remove him.
The Suns did not disclose what the exact nature of the allegations was.
When asked for comment, ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz sent the following statement to CNBC: “We don’t comment on stories that may or may not be in progress.”
Sarver said in a statement on Friday that he was “completely shocked” by the ESPN allegations and vehemently denied them.
“While I don’t know how to respond to some of the vague suggestions from mostly anonymous voices, I can certainly tell you that some of the claims are completely contrary to my nature and the character of the Sun / Mercury Workplace and I can tell you that they never happened, “said Sarver.
He added that he abhorred any language that “disregards people regardless of race, gender, preference or choice.”
The Suns also said in a statement that the potential ESPN story is making “totally unsubstantiated allegations,” noting that the team has evidence and eyewitness accounts contradicting the allegations against Sarver.
“We urge everyone not to judge prematurely,” said the suns in the statement. “Especially based on lies, innuendos and a false narrative to attack our organization and its leadership.”
Rowley slammed the unnamed ESPN reporter on the proposed story, claiming they had shown “reckless disregard for the truth.”
“He has molested employees, ex-employees and family members; he used truths, half-truths and rumors to produce a story he invested heavily in and then maintain an entirely false narrative within the sports industry to support it,” said Rowley in a statement.
An NBA spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life by the NBA and fined $ 2.5 million after an audio leaked of him allowing him to make racist comments.
Sarver bought the Suns in 2004 from former owner Jerry Colangelo for the then record value of $ 401 million.
Sarver has been criticized for his involvement in the team’s decisions.
In 2018, ESPN reported that Sarver “has built a longstanding reputation for aggressively meddling in basketball decisions”.
ESPN added that Suns’ coaches had become “used to regular insults and demands for strategy and line-up changes” from Sarver.
Most recently, he was criticized for not offering Center Deandre Ayton a rookie extension contract of a maximum of five years during the NBA’s off-season. Ayton will therefore become a restricted free agent after this season.
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