The NBA may be bracing itself for a repeat of the Donald Sterling situation.
Jordan Schultz of Boardroom reported Friday that the league is preparing for a massive story alleging Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver committed acts of racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents. Schultz adds that with enough evidence to support such claims, there is a real chance that the NBA could forcibly remove Sarver. Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports added that the story is a pending piece from ESPN.
The 59-year-old Sarver purchased the Suns back in 2004 for a then-record $401 million. He was recently in the news for his reported unwillingness to give a max extension to starting center Deandre Ayton after Phoenix’s NBA Finals berth last season.
The Suns released a statement in response to the anticipated report. They called the claims “completely baseless” and said that documentary evidence and eyewitness accounts would directly contradict those allegations. The statement also encouraged the public not to rush to judgment based on “lies, innuendo and a false narrative.”
Sarver himself issued a statement as well. He said that he was “wholly shocked” by the allegations and found those claims to be “completely repugnant.” Sarver added that he rejected any form of racism or gender discrimination as well as any disparaging language to that effect. He categorically denied ever having used any such language.
It is no secret that Sarver is not very well-liked around the league. Some of his former players have even alleged he doesn't about the team. But these latest allegations definitely sound much more serious, despite the denials of Sarver and the organization. If true, they could ultimately could lead to Sarver’s removal from the Suns, similar to how Sterling got ousted from the L.A. Clippers in 2014.
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