Robert Sarver puts Phoenix and Mercury on sale following his suspension and fine by NBA
Phoenix and Mercury owner Robert Sarver has stated that he is seeking buyers for both team franchises following his suspension and fine by the NBA, according to a statement on NBA official website.
An investigation into claims of racism and sexual harassment against Sarver was launched during his tenure as owner.
Sarver made the announcement Wednesday, saying selling “is the best course of action,” although he initially hoped that he would be able to keep control of the franchises — pointing to his record that, he claims, paints a dramatically different picture of who he is and what he stands for.
“Words that I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together — and strengthened the Phoenix area — through the unifying power of professional men’s and women’s basketball”, Sarver said in his statement.
“As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and the path to forgiveness. I expected that the commissioner’s one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love.
“But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible — that 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.
“I do not want to be a distraction to these two teams and the fine people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world. I want what’s best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, the fans, the community, my fellow owners, the NBA and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone.
“In the meantime, I will continue to work on becoming a better person, and continuing to support the community in meaningful ways. Thank you for continuing to root for the Suns and the Mercury, embracing the power that sports has to bring us together.”
It’s not known if Sarver has established an asking price. Forbes recently estimated the value of the Suns at $1.8 billion.
The NBA launched its investigation after ESPN published a report, accusing Sarver of multiple racist, misogynistic and hostile incidents during his tenure as owner of the Suns.
The league said its independent investigation found that Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and League rules and policies.”
“This conduct included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying,” the league wrote in a statement.
Sarver was suspended for one year from both franchises and fined $10 million. Sarver denied the allegations that were published in the ESPN report.
PayPal said their sponsorship with the Suns would expire “should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization after serving his suspension.”
