Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver has been accused of making racist and sexist comments in the workplace. ESPN published a report detailing instances where Sarver demonstrated poor behavior that has created a toxic environment within the Suns’ organization.
The ESPN article bases its information on interviews conducted with 70 former and current Suns employees. Sarver has been the owner for 17 years after purchasing the Suns for $401 million in 2004. During Sarver’s time with the organization, an unidentified co-owner explains that “the level of misogyny and racism is beyond the pale.”
Sarver has denied these allegations calling them “lies, innuendo, and false narrative.” He also told the public that he believes that these comments and interviews are an attempt to tear down the Suns’ organization.
Sarver has been accused of using racial insults directed toward black players and coaches, openly talking about having sex with his wife and talking down to women employees of the Suns.
Jason Rowley, the Suns’ president, has come to Sarver’s defense by calling the article “false” and saying that Sarver is not “racist” or “sexist.”
The Suns made it to the NBA finals last year but lost to the Milwaukee Bucks – this was the third time in franchise history that they had made it to the finals and lost. The Suns are yet to win an NBA title.
