Robert Sarver of the Phoenix Suns takes notes inside the lottery room during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York.
Jennifer Pottheiser | National Basketball Association | Getty Images
The NBA suspended Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million Tuesday after an independent investigation revealed multiple violations of workplace conduct standards.
The investigation found that Sarver repeated the N-word on at least five occasions. He also made sex-related comments and inappropriate appearance-related comments to and about female employees. He also mistreated employees by yelling and cursing at them.
The investigation also found that the Suns’ Human Resources department was historically ineffective.
The investigation was initiated in November after an article from ESPN alleged misconduct from Sarver. The NBA commissioned the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which reviewed more than 80,000 documents – including emails, text messages and videos – relating to Sarver’s conduct.
Sarver’s $10 million fine will be donated to organizations that work to address race and gender-based issues inside and outside workplaces. During his suspension, Sarver will complete a training program on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.
The Suns didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
Robert Sarver of the Phoenix Suns takes notes inside the lottery room during the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery at the New York Hilton in New York, New York.
Jennifer Pottheiser | National Basketball Association | Getty Images
The NBA suspended Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million Tuesday after an independent investigation revealed multiple violations of workplace conduct standards.
The investigation found that Sarver repeated the N-word on at least five occasions. He also made sex-related comments and inappropriate appearance-related comments to and about female employees. He also mistreated employees by yelling and cursing at them.
The investigation also found that the Suns’ Human Resources department was historically ineffective.
The investigation was initiated in November after an article from ESPN alleged misconduct from Sarver. The NBA commissioned the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which reviewed more than 80,000 documents – including emails, text messages and videos – relating to Sarver’s conduct.
Sarver’s $10 million fine will be donated to organizations that work to address race and gender-based issues inside and outside workplaces. During his suspension, Sarver will complete a training program on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.
The Suns didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.