Photo courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas | USA TODAY Sports
Following a months-long workplace misconduct investigation, Phoenix Suns and Mercury managing general partner Robert Sarver has been suspended one year and fined $10 million by the NBA.
The investigation on the alleged racism and misogyny was launched after ESPN’s Baxter Holmes published an article on November 4, 2021 about the alleged misconduct.
According to a 43-page report by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz, who conducted the investigation, Sarver’s conduct “included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying.”
Following the announcement, the Suns released a statement.
“Suns legacy partners is committed creating a safe, respectful and inclusive work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment,” the statement read. “As the NBA acknowledged, we fully cooperated with the NBA’s investigation, which covered an 18-year period, including by encouraging current and former employees to participate.”
Throughout the investigation, 320 people were interviewed, according to the report. Those included 202 current employees, 100 former employees, 12 Suns minority owners, and Sarver himself.
