Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury owner Robert Sarver allegedly engaged in racist and misogynistic behavior, according to sources that spoke with ESPN.
In a report published Thursday, dozens of sources, including some that remained anonymous, told the sports media outlet that Sarver had used racist slurs in reference to Black Americans and accused the majority owner of lewd, misogynistic behavior.
ESPN interviewed more than 70 current and former employees of the Phoenix Suns who have described a work environment that is a “toxic and sometimes hostile workplace” under Sarver.
In additions to the allegations of racism and misogyny, Sarver is accused of running an organization where “employees felt they were his property.”
The report detailed an incident when Sarver asked former Suns head coach Earl Watson, who is of Black and Hispanic descent, why Golden State Warriors star forward Draymond Green can say the N-word while playing.
“You can’t say that,” Watson told Sarver.
“Why?” Sarver replied, according to ESPN. “Draymond Green says [N-word].”
“You can’t f—ing say that,” Watson reportedly said again.
Sarver allegedly made inappropriate comments during all-staff meetings, including discussing times where his wife would perform oral sex on him. Employees also told the outlet that Sarver passed a picture of his wife around the office, again talking about when she would perform oral sex on him.
In another instance, Saver allegedly asked a female employee if he “owned”’ her to determine whether she worked for the team, according to ESPN.
A former female marketing employee told the outlet that she had endured verbal abuse.
“I think as women, when we come into sports, unfortunately, we’re resigned to the fact that we’ll be sexually harassed at some point,” the female employee said, according to ESPN. “But the part that was the worst for me is the verbal abuse and feeling like I wasn’t human.”
“The level of misogyny and racism is beyond the pale,” one Suns co-owner told ESPN about Sarver. “It’s embarrassing as an owner.”
“The allegations contained in today’s ESPN article are extremely serious, and we have directed the Wachtell Lipton law firm to commence a comprehensive investigation,” the NBA said in a statement to The Hill. “The NBA and WNBA remain committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees. Once the investigation is completed, its findings will provide the basis for any league action.”
Sarver has previously denied allegations of improper behavior at Phoenix. The owner said he is proud “of the record of diversity and inclusion” both of his teams have.
In a statement through his lawyer, Sarver told ESPN that he did not use racially insensitive language.
“I’ve never called anyone or any group of people the N-word, or referred to anyone or any group of people by the N-word, either verbally or in writing. I don’t use that word. It is abhorrent and ugly and denigrating and against everything I believe in,” Sarver reportedly said.
Both of Sarver’s franchises are at the top of their respective leagues. The Suns lost to the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals last season, and the Mercury lost the WNBA Finals earlier last month to the Chicago Sky.
Jahm Najafi, vice chairman and partial owner of the Suns, sent a statement to The Hill saying he was “stunned and saddened” by Sarver’s alleged behavior.
“My sincerest sympathy goes out to all whose lives and professions have been impacted,” Najafi said. “I am personally committed to helping eradicate any form of racism, sexism, and bias, which is unacceptable anywhere in our society.”
The Hill has reached out to the NBPA, the Suns and Sarver’s office for comment.
Updated at 5:41 p.m.