NBA Suspends & Fines Phoenix Suns Owner Robert Sarver $10 Million – Many Say Punishment Is Too Soft

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver has been slapped with a $10 million fine and suspended for a year after allegedly making offensive comments.

Since November 2021, Sarver has been under scrutiny. 

The original report came from ESPN alleging the Sun’s owner of making racist and misogynistic comments.

After the NBA conducted its own investigation, it found that Saver used the “N-word” on at least five occasions.

Furthermore, Sarver, who is also the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury owner, made  “inappropriate comments” about the physical appearances of females along with “inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees.”

Moreover, Sarver also harshly yelled and cursed at employees, according to the NBA.

As a result, Sarver for a year will not be able to attend NBA and WNBA games, practices, or conduct business activities related to the leagues for a year.

“Mr. Sarver must, during his suspension, complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace,” the NBA said.

In a statement, the Suns claimed that they have strengthened its culture and that Sarver has taken full responsibility for his actions.

But many didn’t think that punishment is enough.

For example, Cenk Uygur of the progressive news show The Young Turks tweeted: “If @NBAis saying the allegations against Robert Sarver are true, including saying you need an n-word coach to handle n-word players, then only a one year suspension is indefensible. Is this what @Suns organization is going to go back to being a year from now?” 

And a fan said: “The NBA’s punishment of Robert Sarver is not enough (ban him for life).”

In 2014, the NBA assessed a lifetime ban to former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling after making racist comments on recorded audio. 

Article by Anthony Russo