"The allegations in the ESPN article are extremely serious, and we have called on the law firm Wachtell Lipton to launch a full investigation," the court said shortly after the article appeared on the website. from the giant of the American sports media.

"Once the investigation is completed, its conclusions will allow the League to take possible action," she concluded.

Three weeks ago, Sarver reacted ahead of time, denouncing "lies, innuendos and a false story."

In this investigation, which dates back to the arrival of the leader at the head of the franchise in 2004, the allegations are numerous and were made by more than 70 former and current employees of the Suns, the vast majority on condition of anonymity.

Earl Watson, who coached the team between 2015 and 2017, fired at the start of his third season, is one of the few to openly denounce Sarver's behavior, claiming that Sarver used the word racist " nigger "(equivalent of" nigga "in French), one evening in 2016 after a match and that he repeatedly urged him to" not say that ".

Sarver's alleged racist language on other occasions is denounced many times in the article.

Misogynistic behavior too.

He would have circulated a photo of his wife in a bikini to club employees and would have spoken several times during meetings about their sexual intimacy.

"The level of misogyny and racism is crossing the line," one of the Suns' current co-owners told ESPN.

Suns general manager James Jones and chairman Jason Rowley defended their owner, saying the story was "totally outrageous and false" and that Sarver "is neither racist nor sexist".

Sarver reiterated Thursday "being shocked by the bogus investigation" of ESPN.

“The word + nigger + was never in my vocabulary. I don't use that word. It is obnoxious, ugly, disparaging and contrary to everything I believe in. The way I conduct my personal and professional life clearly shows. "

© 2021 AFP