N.B.A. Fines Phoenix Suns’ Owner $10 Million for Misconduct
The N.B.A. is suspending Robert Sarver, the owner of the Phoenix Suns, for one year and fining him $10 million after an investigation determined that he had engaged in misconduct, including using racial slurs, yelling at employees and treating female employees unfairly.
“The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing,” Adam Silver, the commissioner of the N.B.A., said in a statement.
He added: “Regardless of position, power or intent, we all need to recognize the corrosive and hurtful impact of racially insensitive and demeaning language and behavior. On behalf of the entire N.B.A. I apologize to all of those impacted by the misconduct outlined in the investigators’ report. We must do better.”
Sarver also owns the W.N.B.A.’s Phoenix Mercury.
The N.B.A. began the investigation in response to a November 2021 article by ESPN about accusations of mistreatment against Sarver.
This is a developing story and will be updated.