Robert Sarver said he has begun the process of selling the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, a move that comes just eight days after his departure. Suspended by the NBA Workplace misconduct, including racist remarks and hostile behavior towards employees.
Sarver made an announcement On Wednesday, it said selling “is the best thing to do.”
“But in our current unforgiving climate, it is painfully clear that this is no longer possible – whatever good I have done or can still do, is overwhelmed by what I have said in the past,” Sarver wrote in a statement. . “For these reasons, I started looking for buyers for the Sun and Mercury.”
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Sarver bought the team in July 2004. He is not the only boss, but the main boss.
“My words of deep regret now have overshadowed the organization that has brought people together for nearly two decades,” he wrote on Wednesday.
In a brief statement Wednesday afternoon, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said: “I fully support Robert Sarver’s decision to sell the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. This is the right next step for the organization and the community. ”
Last week, NBA suspended Sarver for one year and fined $10 million After investigation He was found to be involved in what the coalition called “workplace misconduct and organizational flaws”.
NBA stars LeBron James and Chris Paul criticized the penalty, saying it wasn’t enough.Suns sponsor PayPal says the same Will not renew team sponsorship If Sarver is still the owner of the team.
The league’s findings come nearly a year after the NBA asked a law firm to investigate allegations that Sarver had a history of racism, misogyny and hostile incidents during his nearly two-year tenure overseeing the team.
The NBA said the report’s findings are based on interviews with 320 people, including current and former employees who worked for both teams when Sarver was managing partner, and more than 80,000 documents and materials such as emails, text messages and video.
“I don’t want to distract from these two teams and the wonderful people who work hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world,” Sarver said. “I want what’s best for both organizations, players, employees, fans, the community, my owners, the NBA and the WNBA.”
