• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 1, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Suns Owner Robert Sarver Suspended 1 Year, Fined $10M

  • Outside investigation finds Sarver ‘engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards.’
  • Probe started after workplace allegations against Sarver were reported by ESPN last year.
Robert Sarver
Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver was suspended for a year and fined $10 million after an outside investigation found Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards.”

The league announced the punishment Tuesday and released the a 43-page report by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz that detailed Sarver’s use of the N-word “on at least five occasions” and “made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees” during his tenure as the owner of the Suns and Mercury. 

“The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. 

“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 and our commitment to upholding proper standards in NBA workplaces.”

NAACP President Derrick Johnson called the NBA’s punishment of Sarver “shameful” in a statement Tuesday night.

“The NBA’s response is shameful,” Johnson said in a statement. “Fining a Billionaire $10M is nothing but a speeding ticket. They have failed to adequately address this man’s history of racism, sexism, and his years-long nourishment of a toxic culture. The fact that the NBA would hand down this so-called ‘punishment’ in the same year we lost a legend like Bill Russell, who fought racism his entire life, only underscores how prevalent racism still is today.”

The investigation was initiated after an ESPN report in November laid out many of the allegations that the NBA’s outside probe confirmed. 

The report spent many pages over the allegations of Sarver using the anti-Black slur, despite being warned by a witness that “he could never say the N-word, even when quoting someone else” after he first uttered it in 2004.

  • That 2004 incident came came as the team was trying to recruit an unnamed free-agent player.
  • He used the N-word again during a team-building exercise that occurred in either 2012 or 2013.
  • He said it again after the Suns played the Golden State Warriors in an October 2016 game.
  • He said it “at least twice” between 2010 and 2017 when he recounted an incident with a player’s family member. 

“The investigation makes no finding that Sarver used this racially insensitive language with the intent to demean or denigrate,” the report stated.

During the course of the investigation, 320 people were interviewed. That list included 202 current employees, 100 former employees, and 12 minority owners of the Suns.

“I take full responsibility for what I have done,” Sarver said in a statement. “I am sorry for causing this pain, and these errors in judgment are not consistent with my personal philosophy or my values. I accept the consequences of the NBA’s decision. This moment is an opportunity for me to demonstrate a capacity to learn and grow as we continue to build a working culture where every employee feels comfortable and valued.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.

Mark Cuban on Why NBA Expansion Isn’t Imminent

Cuban said the next CBA could help solve some expansion issues.
Dawn Staley

Dawn Staley Says She Would Have Left South Carolina for Knicks

Staley says she would have made the NBA leap “for women.”
Mat Ishbia

Suns, Mat Ishbia Sued by Minority Owners Looking to Open Books

The limited partners have been seeking a buyout from Ishbia.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

Cowboys Can’t Bank on Mavericks’ Lottery Luck After Parsons Trade

The Mavericks lucked into Cooper Flagg through the 2025 NBA draft lottery.
August 28, 2025

Connor McDavid: ‘All Options on Table’ As Historic Free Agency Looms

The Oilers superstar remains largely mum on his long-term plans.
August 28, 2025

Rhyne Howard Calls Out Dream Fans for A’Ja Wilson ‘MVP’ Chants

The Las Vegas Aces overtook the Atlanta Dream in the standings.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
United
August 28, 2025

Manchester United Knocked Out of Cup by Team With $2.6 Million Payroll

United’s team payroll is almost 100 times larger than Grimsby’s.
Monica Wright
August 26, 2025

WNBA Expansion Teams Still in Dark As CBA Fight Drags On

Portland and Toronto won’t know the draft rules until a CBA is signed.
August 25, 2025

Trey Hendrickson Ends Stalemate for $14 Million Bengals Raise

The defensive end will make $30 million this season.
August 22, 2025

$2B A’s Vegas Stadium Hits Milestones, on Track for 2028

Construction progress and costs pick up in the Las Vegas project.