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Robert Sarver has owned the NBA team Phoenix Suns since 2004
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Ross D Franklin/AP
The North American professional basketball league NBA (National Basketball Association) has suspended Robert Sarver, the managing partner of the Phoenix Suns, for a year and fined him 10 million US dollars (about 10 million euros).
The 60-year-old American is said to have created a toxic work environment for the Suns and made multiple racist and sexist remarks, the league announced on Tuesday.
The background is an investigation commissioned by the NBA by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
320 people were interviewed for this, including current and former employees of the Suns and the sister team Phoenix Mercury from the female professional league WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association).
In addition, more than 80,000 documents were evaluated, such as emails, text messages and videos.
There was no immediate reaction to the report's release Tuesday from Sarver or the Suns.
The process was initiated after the US sports broadcaster ESPN first reported on racist and sexist statements by Sarvers in November 2021.
Used the N-Word at least five times
According to the investigative report, Sarver engaged in behavior "that clearly violated normal workplace standards as set forth in team and league rules and policies." These included the use of racially insensitive language, unequal treatment of female employees, gender-related statements and behavior; and harsh treatment of employees, which has sometimes been referred to as bullying.
Specifically, the report states that on at least five occasions, Sarver used the "N-word," sexually harassed female employees, and yelled at and verbally abused workers.
During his one-year suspension, Sarver will not be allowed to participate in games, practice, or be in any NBA or WNBA offices, arenas, or training facilities.
He must not be involved in any way with the business or basketball operations of the teams and must not attend the board meetings of the two leagues.
In addition, Sarver must complete a training program focused on respect and proper behavior in the workplace.
Maximum financial penalty, but no worse consequences
Sarver's $10 million fine is the highest in the NBA's catalog of sanctions.
The money will be donated to organizations that deal with racist and sexist issues inside and outside the workplace.
The length of the suspension of one year, on the other hand, is to be regarded as rather mild in view of Sarver's serious missteps.
When Donald Sterling, then owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, was noticed for racist remarks in 2014, there was a fine of 2.5 million US dollars – and a lifetime ban.
The excitement was great, Clippers players protested against their own club owners.
In the end, Sterling was forced by court order to sell the team.
Sarver, 60, has been the majority owner of the Suns and Mercury since 2004.
He also owns the football club RCD Mallorca, which plays in the first Spanish league.
The Arizona native made his fortune in banking and real estate.
mrk/Reuters