Phoenix Suns owner suspended for one year following racist and sexist comments

Robert Sarver, the owner of the Phoenix Suns has been suspended by the NBA for one year and fined $10 million following a league investigation into the Suns franchise. 

The suspension was decided after the league investigated claims of racism and misogyny within the organization. The investigation started after a November 2021 ESPN article brought allegations against Sarver. The investigation included more than 80,000 documents and 320 interviews with both current and former Phoenix Suns employees. 

The report detailed that Sarver used the N-word at least five times, including an example of him asking coaches why Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green, who is Black, could use the word but Sarver could not. 

Sarver also reportedly engaged in sexual misconduct and harassment toward female employees including inappropriate physical contact and comments about physical appearance. 

Sarver’s $10 million fine, the league maximum, will be donated to organizations working to address race and gender discrimination in the workplace.