Just hours after the television broadcaster ESPN released a detailed report on the working atmosphere at the Phoenix Suns, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has scheduled an investigation to investigate the allegations. The 60-year-old former banker, real estate investor and club owner Robert Sarver acquired a majority stake in the team in 2004 and has since violated league rules about workplace etiquette with countless racist and misogynistic remarks to players and employees. "The allegations contained in today's ESPN article are extremely grave," the NBA said.
The matter is not uncharted territory for the league. When in 2014 racist remarks by Donald Sterling, the then owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, against black basketball players became known and professionals threatened to strike, the league forced a change of ownership in no time. Similar consequences threaten Sarver if a majority of the NBA club owners decide to exclude him from their exclusive circle. The outrage is great, as Suns manager Jahm Najafi made clear in an initial reaction: “The behavior that he is accused of made me stunned and sad and is unacceptable. The well-being and safety of all Suns employees, players, coaches and stakeholders is our top priority. "
In addition to its stake in the Suns - market value around 1.8 billion dollars - Sarver belongs to RCD Mallorca in the first Spanish soccer league.
He acquired this club in 2016 with former Suns playmaker Steve Nash for $ 20 million.
More than 70 sources
The core statements of the article are based on months of research and statements from more than 70 partially anonymous sources, but are denied by Sarver. The allegations range from episodes of bragging about oral sex with his wife and the size of his condoms to employees, to his suggestion to find strippers who can be impregnated by Suns professionals so that basketball players become more involved in Phoenix feel attracted. Up to a predilection for the degrading and stigmatized swear word “nigger”, the so-called “N-word”, which is generally used in America.
“There is so much inaccuracy and misleading in this story that I hardly know where to start,” said Sarver. “But let me be clear: the N-word is not in my vocabulary. 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 that word, either verbally or in writing. I don't use that word. It's hideous and ugly and vilifying and contradicts everything I believe in. ”Suns owner Sarver specifically welcomed an impartial NBA investigation. It could prove to be "the only way to wash my name and reputation for an organization that I am so proud of".
Although the Suns were able to shine again last season for the first time in years and made it into the NBA final series, which they lost 2: 4 to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Sarver era has a hint of weak leadership.
In his seventeen years at the top, there was a coming and going in the most important positions with a total of nine head coaches and eight chief managers.
Chris Paul holds back
Earl Watson is one of the former coaches, whose name is given in the article and who criticizes Sarver's behavior during his tenure. He now works as an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors. Watson refused to add any more fuel to the fire on Thursday, but praised "the courage of players, managers and employees" who took the risk by describing an environment full of "racist insensitivity, sexual harassment and microaggression" to go to work lose.
Suns playmaker Chris Paul, who was president of the players' union until the summer for eight years and who during his time at the Clippers not only witnessed the sterling scandal at close range, but also initiated the protests of the professionals, initially reacted cautiously to the allegations.
“Every situation is different.
We don't know the details.
We wait like everyone else for the investigation to be completed.
In the meantime we will continue to play. "