SUNS OWNER ROBERT SARVER SUSPENDED 1 YEAR, FINED $10 MILLION

 
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2022 10:29 am    Post subject: SUNS OWNER ROBERT SARVER SUSPENDED 1 YEAR, FINED $10 MILLION

Baxter Holmes wrote:

    The NBA is announcing soon its findings and punishment in the investigation into the Phoenix Suns and majority owner Robert Sarver, sources tell @wojespn and me. The NBA has been weighing a possible suspension.
Sep 13, 2022ReplyRetweetFavorite


Baxter Holmes wrote:

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver suspended, fined $10 million after investigation finds conduct 'clearly violated' workplace standards

Robert Sarver, owner of the NBA's Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, has been suspended one year and fined $10 million by the NBA as a result of an investigation into the Suns franchise.

The NBA announced the punishment Tuesday, saying the investigation found that during his time with the Suns and Mercury, Sarver used the N-word at least five times "when recounting the statements of others."

There also were "instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees," the NBA said in its statement, including "sex-related comments" and inappropriate comments on employees' appearances.

The NBA commissioned an investigation after ESPN published a story in November 2021 detailing allegations of racism and misogyny during Sarver's 17 years as owner.

While the NBA stated that Sarver "cooperated fully with the investigative process," league sources told ESPN's Baxter Holmes and Adrian Wojnarowski that he was unaccepting of the idea that he deserved a one-year suspension and a $10 million fine for his behavior. The punitive part of the process became largely acrimonious, sources said.

Suns investigation timeline

Nov. 4, 2021: ESPN releases its story on Suns owner Robert Sarver and the workplace culture in Phoenix

Nov. 4, 2021: NBA launches investigation into Sarver over racism, sexism charges

Nov. 9, 2021: Penny Sarver, wife of Robert Sarver, sent messages to three former Suns employees

Nov. 15, 2021: Investigators say team employees will be granted confidentiality

Nov. 30, 2021: Uncertainty remains over whether Suns employees who signed NDAs can participate in investigation

Dec. 10, 2021: Suns employees released from NDAs for investigation

Jan. 25, 2022: Suns to create confidential internal employee hotline amid investigation

March 4, 2022: Sarver to speak with investigators as part of NBA inquiry

March 19, 2022: Rev. Al Sharpton calls for NBA to end Suns investigation, remove Sarver

April 6, 2022: Commissioner Adam Silver says at Board of Governors meeting says the investigation is "certainly closer to the end than the beginning"

April 15, 2022: Sarver retires as Western Alliance executive chairman amid NBA probe

June 14, 2022: Longtime Suns employee resigns, cites retaliation after reporting concerns about workplace culture

July 12, 2022: At BOG meeting in Las Vegas, Silver says the investigation is in its "last stage"

September 13, 2022: NBA announces the conclusion of its investigation, suspending Sarver for one year and fining him $10 million.

The investigation, led by New York-based law firm Wachtell Lipton, found that Sarver "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and league rules and policies."

"While I disagree with some of the particulars of the NBA's report, I would like to apologize for my words and actions that offended our employees," Sarver said in a statement through the Suns. "I take full responsibility for what I have done. I am sorry for causing this pain, and these errors in judgment are not consistent with my personal philosophy or my values.

"I accept the consequences of the NBA's decision. This moment is an opportunity for me to demonstrate a capacity to learn and grow as we continue to build a working culture where every employee feels comfortable and valued."

The Suns said in a statement that they are "committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment." They added that "at the direction of senior leadership," they have "strengthened" their culture and "focused on creating a workplace where everyone feels included and valued."

The investigation included interviews with more than 320 current and former employees as well as Sarver, the NBA announced. It also examined more than 80,000 documents and other materials, including emails, text messages and videos. The report was made publicly available online.

During Sarver's tenure, the investigation found that he:

On at least five occasions "repeated the N-word when recounting the statements of others."

"Engaged in instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees, made many sex-related comments in the workplace, made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women, and on several occasions engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees."

"Engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them."

The release noted that the investigation "made no finding that Mr. Sarver's workplace misconduct was motivated by racial or gender-based animus."

The Suns granted access to human resources records and thousands of internal emails, those sources said. Specialists from Deloitte, a global accounting firm headquartered in London, and from Kirkland & Ellis, a Chicago-based law firm, were also involved in the investigation.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in the statement, "The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing. We believe the outcome is the right one, taking into account all the facts, circumstances and context brought to light by the comprehensive investigation of this 18-year period and our commitment to upholding proper standards in NBA workplaces."

Silver continued, "I am hopeful that the NBA community will use this opportunity to reflect on what this great game means to people everywhere and the values of equality, respect and inclusion that it strives to represent. 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 NBA, I apologize to all of those impacted by the misconduct outlined in the investigators' report. We must do better."

The $10 million fine is the maximum permitted by the NBA, and the funds will be donated to organizations "addressing race and gender-based issues in and outside the workplace."

During his suspension, Sarver may not:

"Be present at any NBA or WNBA team facility, including any office, arena, or practice facility."

"Attend or participate in any NBA or WNBA event or activity, including games, practices, or business partner activity."

"Represent the Suns or Mercury in any public or private capacity."

"Have any involvement with the business or basketball operations of the Suns or Mercury."

"Have any involvement in the business, governance, or activities of either the NBA or WNBA, including attending or participating in meetings of either league's Board (and their associated Board committees)."

Sarver must also complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.

The Suns and Mercury organization must also fulfill a series of requirements for workplace improvements set forth and monitored by the NBA. These requirements include:

"Retaining an outside firm to evaluate and make recommendations with respect to workplace training programs, policies and procedures, and hiring and compensation practices -- with a focus on fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace."

"Conducting regular and anonymous workplace culture surveys and responding to survey results with specific action plans."

"Immediately reporting to the league any instances or allegations of significant misconduct by any employee."

"For a period of three years, providing the league with regular reports related to steps taken by the organization to address these requirements."

"Following league direction for remediation/improvement of workplace issues if/as they arise."

In interviews with the Wachtell Lipton lawyers, some of which were conducted in person, over the phone and via videoconferencing, Suns employees confirmed a range of allegations published in ESPN's November story, introduced others and provided documents, including emails.

The investigation also substantiated instances of "workplace misconduct engaged in by Suns employees that were not directly related to Sarver and a lack of proper organizational policies and controls." It found instances of "racial insensitivity, mistreatment of female employees, inappropriate commentary related to sex or sexual orientation, and disrespectful communications."

It also found that the team's human resources department was "historically ineffective and not a trusted resource for employees who were subjected to acts of improper workplace conduct."

The league's investigation marked the third of its kind centered on a team owner since Adam Silver became the NBA commissioner in 2014 -- with all three cases being led by Wachtell Lipton.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski contributed to this report.
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lakez34
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 13, 2022 9:25 pm    Post subject:

What a joke that is all he got. How come nba owners didn't take a vote to pust him entirely (rhetorical question I know).
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kwase
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 11:17 am    Post subject:

He should be forced to sell the team like Sterling. If you can't keep your filthy bigot ways at the dinner table then you don't deserve to make a living off of the public's money.
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lakez34
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 14, 2022 7:24 pm    Post subject:

Only way it'll happen is if players refuse to play or big money brands stop airing advertisements for Suns games. Saw Bron and CP put out statements but they'll need more than words.
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2022 8:51 am    Post subject:

kwase wrote:
He should be forced to sell the team like Sterling. If you can't keep your filthy bigot ways at the dinner table then you don't deserve to make a living off of the public's money.


What is known about Sarver is much bigger than what was behind Sterling's ouster. That's not meant at all to diminish what Sterling's behavior. It's just in regards to what has been proven about Sarver's conduct as an owner is far more reaching.
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Bol
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2022 3:16 pm    Post subject:

Sterling wasn't actually forced to sell. He was banned from going to games and his wife sold the team to Ballmer, which Sterling contested in court but failed.
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Andrew Evenstar
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 15, 2022 6:47 pm    Post subject:

all white people are racists
all cops are evil
he should be canceled
no 2nd chances
words hurt me
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 16, 2022 9:52 am    Post subject:

ocho wrote:

Quote:
PayPal, the jersey patch partner of the Phoenix Suns, on Friday said it would not be renewing its sponsorship with the team should majority owner Robert Sarver continue in his role following his one-year suspension for racist and misogynist remarks.

"PayPal is a values-driven company and has a strong record of combatting racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination," PayPal CEO and president Dan Schulman said in a statement. "We have reviewed the report of the NBA league's independent investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and have found his conduct unacceptable and in conflict with our values.

"... In light of the findings of the NBA's investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension," Schulman said in his statement.

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socalsp3
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 19, 2022 10:45 pm    Post subject:

Andrew Evenstar wrote:
all white people are racists
all cops are evil
he should be canceled
no 2nd chances
words hurt me

Are you a triggered white guy or something?
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Lamar's Bud
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2022 11:51 am    Post subject:

And now Sarver says he will sell the Suns and Mercury.

Quote:
One week after the NBA levied a one-year suspension and $10 million fine against Robert Sarver, the embattled owner announced plans on Wednesday to sell the Phoenix Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

"I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury," Sarver said in a statement.


LINK

Whatever Sarver's reasons are for going this route, it's the best course. Too much negative attention would continue to be given to him and the Suns franchise for as long as he continued to own it, so it just leaves everyone better off that he exits "now" rather than later.

Who else can be added to this list of recent Owners/CEOs being shown the door for racist comments and practices?

Donald Sterling - Clippers
John Schnatter - Papa Johns
Robert Sarver - Suns
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2022 3:15 pm    Post subject:

I want to know the real reason he's doing this I feel there's a lot more to this story than he's letting on.

You don't get to his level by rolling over like this unless something else will come out that's far worse than this.
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2022 3:31 pm    Post subject:

I don’t know if it’s already been pointed out… but have you guys noticed that all the teams that Chris Paul has been on (except Rockets, Thunders?), the owners have sold the team while he was still on their roster? At least I think they’ve all been sold while he’s on them.

An owner killer!
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Lamar's Bud
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 21, 2022 3:46 pm    Post subject:

Basketball Fan wrote:
I want to know the real reason he's doing this I feel there's a lot more to this story than he's letting on.

You don't get to his level by rolling over like this unless something else will come out that's far worse than this.


Gotta believe it's a save-face move. Either directed by Silver, fellow owners, Sarver's legal team, or a combination of them.

With all of the blowback and calls to vote him out, he's likely facing the option of selling now "on his terms", or being forced to sell like Sterling.

This could be analogous to the typical coach & team "mutual parting", instead of the coach being fired.
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