Factz

Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver to Sell Teams after Harassment Revelations

Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury NBA teams, is moving to sell.

This comes after Sarver was suspended by the NBA last week for the span of one year after an independent investigation found that he had used racist and sexist language at work and verbally abused employees. Sarver was also fined $10M and banned from showing up to NBA facilities during his suspension.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing. We believe the outcome is the right one, taking into account all the facts, circumstances, and context brought to light by the comprehensive investigation of this 18-year period.”

Sarver released a statement in the wake of his suspension, calling today’s environment an “unforgiving climate.”

But Sarver’s behavior stretches back two decades and includes workplace harassment and grossly inappropriate behavior, time after time – so perhaps today’s PC climate isn’t at fault.

In his statement, Sarver writes in part, “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.” The Suns alone could be worth nearly $2B.

The NBA has not yet responded to news that Sarver plans to sell.