The ESPN article implicating Robert Sarver has not yet been published, but it is already causing turmoil as the 2021-2022 NBA season has just started.
In this investigation, the owner of the Phoenix Suns, Robert Sarver, would be accused of racism, sexism and sexual harassment, as revealed on Twitter the American journalist Jordan Schultz.
🚨 Breaking: The NBA is preparing for a massive story accusing #Suns owner Robert Sarver of racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents, sources say.
With enough evidence to support such claims, there's a real chance the league would forcibly remove Sarver.
- Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 22, 2021
Allegations that the owner firmly denied this Friday in a statement, while his team won on the floor of the Lakers (105-115).
He thus evokes "lies, innuendos and a false story" on the part of the giant of the American sports media, which is part of the broadcasters of the games of the North American Basketball League.
These words would, according to him, intended to "attack the club" finalist of the last championship.
"I am totally shocked by some of the allegations, relayed by ESPN and made against me or aimed at the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury
(the women's team playing in the WNBA),
" he said. He continues: “While I cannot yet know how to respond to some of the vague suggestions made, most of them made on condition of anonymity, I can certainly tell you that these allegations, which I find completely repugnant and contrary to my nature and the existing framework within the Suns / Mercury, has never, never been realized. "
“I reject any insinuation of personal or structural racism, of sex discrimination.
I despise any language that lacks respect to anyone, regardless of their race, gender, preferences or choices, ”he said.
pic.twitter.com/iaINS08yUz
- Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 22, 2021
Phoenix Suns president Jason Rowley expressed his support, citing an article, "Completely Outrageous and False."
“This does not correspond at all to Robert Sarver, with whom I have worked for 15 years.
He is not racist and he is not sexist, ”he added.
James Jones, general manager of the Suns, concurred: “Nothing that has been said describes the Robert Sarver that I know, respect and appreciate - it just doesn't.
"
Proven allegations of racist behavior could have serious repercussions for any owner of an NBA team.
In 2014, Donald Sterling, then owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, was fined $ 2.5 million.
After being recorded making racist remarks, he was banned for life from the league.
The instance then forced the sale of the club.
