Suns, Mercury Owner Robert Sarver To Sell Teams After Facing Backlash & Being Penalized For Using The ‘N-Word’ & Other Workplace Misconduct: Whatever Good I Have Done, Or Could Still Do, Is Outweighed By Things I Have Said In The Past

Robert Sarver

Suns, Mercury Owner Robert Sarver To Sell Teams After Facing Backlash & Being Penalized For Using The ‘N-Word’ & Other Workplace Misconduct: Whatever Good I Have Done, Or Could Still Do, Is Outweighed By Things I Have Said In The Past

It looks like Robert Sarver will be taking “team owner” off of his resume soon!

According to new reports, sports team owner Robert Sarver, 60, revealed Wednesday (Sept. 22) that he has begun the process of selling both his basketball teams – the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury.

As you may already know, his announcement comes after the NBA penalized the businessman with a one-year suspension and a $10 million fine following an investigation into his workplace misconduct.

Reportedly, during their investigation, the league learned that Robert Sarver used the n-word at least five times “when recounting the statements of others” during his time with both franchises. Sarver also consistently acted inappropriately toward female staff members. The NBA said in a statement that there were “instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees,” which included “sex-related comments.” Additionally, he reportedly engaged in “inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees.”

In a recently released statement sharing his plan of selling his teams, Sarver said,

“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.”

He continued,

“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.”

He added,

“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.”

See The Full Statment Below:

As previously reported, after news broke about Sarver’s questionable actions, many NBA players and celebrities came forward calling for a more significant punishment, including LeBron James, 37. LeBron James took to Twitter and said,

“Read through the Sarver stories a few times now. I gotta be honest…Our league definitely got this wrong. I don’t need to explain why. Y’all read the stories and decide for yourself. I said it before and I’m gonna say it again, there is no place in this league for that kind of behavior.”

He added,

“I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership. But this isn’t right. There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any work place. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this aint it.”

Do you think Robert Sarver should sell his teams for what he did? Tell us in the comments below.

[VIA]