Suns, Mercury owner Robert Sarver suspended one year and fined $10 Million by NBA following investigation
The NBA made a statement regarding the investigation Tuesday, which details multiple violations of the of the league's workplace standards
PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver has been suspended one year following an investigation which found multiple violations of the NBA's workplace standards.
In the investigation, which was conducted by an independent law firm, instances of Sarver committing acts of racism, sexual misconduct, and mistreatment of employees was found.
According to a statement by the league, it says Sarver "on at least five occasions during his tenure with the Suns/Mercury organization, repeated the N-word when recounting the statements of others."
The statement also recounts details of sexual misconduct, saying Sarver "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."
Sarver also reportedly would yell and curse at his employees.
In addition to the suspension, Sarver will also be fined $10 Million, which is the maximum allowed under league rules.
Sarver is also banned from any NBA or WNBA team facilities, and cannot represent the Suns or Mercury in any capacity.
He also can't have any involvement with governing decisions made by the league during his suspension.
A training program on respect in the workplace will also be part of the suspension.
In the NBA's statement, league commissioner Adam Silver also offered a response.
"The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing," Silver said.
Suns Legacy Partners LLC, which manages and operates the Suns and Mercury also issued a statement Tuesday.
The statement claims Sarver is accepting the consequences.
"He recognizes that at times during his eighteen years of ownership, his conduct did not reflect his of the Suns' values," the statement said.
