Seems these racist stories from people in high ranking positions is becoming more and more ubiquitous. NBA Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner and managing partner; Robert Sarver is being accused of racist, misogynistic and toxic culture; both on and off the field. Although over 70 people have come forward, they fear their jobs could be in jeopardy from retaliation. However, reps from the lawfirm emphasized in a zoom call with the employees that they would recieve confidentiality, according to ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. And on Nov. 4, the team brought in Watchell Lipton to further investigate the allegations.
“The allegations contained in today’s ESPN article are extremely serious, and we have directed the Wachtell Lipton law firm to commence a comprehensive investigation,” NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said in a statement. “The NBA and WNBA remain committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees. Once the investigation is completed, its findings will provide the basis for any league action.”
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Details Surrounding The Allegations
Since 2004, over the duration of his tenure as the teams owner; he’s been accused of being extremely hostile with employees all while creating a hellish work environment. Not to mention, using racist and misogynistic language in front of them;and discussing sexual relations that took place in the office. Anyway you look at it, it’s all bad. And the abuse had occured for way too long.
During an interview with ESPN, several former Suns executives, including a current co-owner shared detailed experiences. They shared similar examples claiming Sarvey has used racially insensitive language; going on verbal tirades aimed at coaches and meddling in on-court affairs.
Sarvey Denies Allegations
Of course, Sarver adamantly denies these allegations; taking no responsibility will lack of remorse for his actions. I mean, surely 70 people aren’t lying on him.
“I am wholly shocked by some of the allegations purported by ESPN about me, personally, or about the Phoenix Suns and Mercury organizations,” Sarver said in his statement. “While I can’t begin to know how to respond to some of the vague suggestions made by mostly anonymous voices, I can certainly tell you that some of the claims I find completely repugnant to my nature and to the character of the Suns/Mercury workplace and I can tell you they never, ever happened.”
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The NBA Released A Statement
“We are continuing to review the allegations in today’s ESPN story. Viewing these allegations as serious and applaud the League’s decision to conduct an investigation; and will defer any further comments until that process has been concluded.” Nonetheless, the investigation is set to take some time and comb through the allegations without bias.
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When the story was first released, Holmes reported Robert’s wife, Penny, reached out to at least three former Suns employees saying “they consider the messages an attempt to intimidate them.”
“If something happens to one of my children, I will hold you and [former head coach] Earl Watson personally responsible,” Penny Sarver wrote in one such exchange. “Think about your own child for a second and imagine the tables turned.”
Penny denied the messages were intended to be threatening and that the idea was “as silly as it is wrong and outrageous.”