NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA suspended Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Robert Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million after it was revealed he was involved in what the league has dubbed “workplace misconduct.” Location and organizational deficiencies.
The findings of a league report released Tuesday come nearly a year after the NBA asked a law firm to investigate allegations that Sarver had a history of racist, misogynistic and hostile incidents spanning his nearly two years as a franchise manager. .
The allegations were reported to ESPN, which said Sarver spoke to dozens of current and former team members for his story, including those detailing his inappropriate behavior. Initially, he denied or denied most of the allegations through his legal team.
Depending on the league, Sarver may not be located at any NBA or WNBA team facility, including any office, arena, or training facility; attend or participate in any NBA or WNBA event or activity, including games, apps, or partner activities; represent the Suns or Mercury in any public or private capacity; or of the Suns or Mercury’s commercial or basketball operations.
The league said it will donate $10 million to “organizations dedicated to addressing race and gender issues in the workplace and beyond.”
“The statements and behavior disclosed in the results of the independent investigation are disturbing and disappointing,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Given all the facts, circumstances and context that emerged from an extensive 18-year investigation, and our commitment to maintaining appropriate standards in the NBA’s workplace, we believe the conclusion is correct.”
The league said Sarver will need to complete a training program “focusing on respect and appropriate behavior in the workplace” during his suspension.
The league will also require Suns and Mercury to engage in a number of workplace improvements, including bringing in third-party companies that will “focus on creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful work environment.”
Employees of these organizations are interviewed regularly and anonymously to ensure that an appropriate culture is maintained in the workplace. The NBA and WNBA will be required to promptly report any cases of serious misconduct or even allegations of misconduct by any employee.
All these conditions are valid for three years.
“We must all be aware of the devastating and damaging effects of racially insensitive and derogatory language and behavior, regardless of position, power or purpose,” Silver said. “On behalf of the entire NBA, I apologize to anyone affected by the abuse outlined in the investigators’ report. We need to work better.”
Source: Breitbart
