Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver said he would begin the process to sell both professional basketball teams.
“Whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past. For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury,” Sarver said.
The businessman was banned for one year by the NBA due to racist and misogynistic behaviour. In addition, Sarver was fined $10 million.
According to the NBA, the money will be donated to organisations working on race and gender issues both inside and outside the workplace. In addition, Sarver will have to undergo a training program focused on conduct and respect.
The NBA found Sarver guilty of racism and misogynistic charges after nearly a year of investigation. That is, there was misconduct and lack of ethics at work.
In November 2021, ESPN reporter Baxter Holmes released an explosive story about the Suns owner’s bad behaviour.
At first, there was a real chance that the NBA would forcibly remove Sarver from the Suns. After all, the league would have enough evidence to support the allegations.
However, the league did not decide to punish the manager in an exemplary way. Thus, the owner of the Suns was just banned, in addition to having to pay a millionaire fine.
However, some of theleague’s top stars, such as LeBron James and Chris Paul, revolted. In fact, both have publicly stated that Sarver’s behavior is unacceptable. However, it is no exaggeration to say that the pressure of athletes, minority partners of the franchise and sponsors weighed on the businessman’s decision.
Sarver is a 59-year-old businessman who bought the Suns and Mercury in 2004 for US$404 million. Born in Arizona, he also owns Mallorca, a club that plays in Spain’s top flight.
