Ex-Suns owner gives ex-employees bonus checks?

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver against the New Orleans Pelicans during game two of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Footprint Center. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ex-Suns owner reportedly gives hundreds of ex-employees massive bonus checks

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 2/16/23

Former Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver reportedly tried to make amends with his ex-employees recently by sending out massive bonus checks in one of his final acts as the franchise’s boss.

In 2021, an ESPN expose revealed the shocking details of Sarver’s unprofessional conduct with Suns employees, players, and coaches during his nearly 20-year run as the boss of the organization. The report led to an investigation by the NBA, and then Sarver deciding to sell off his majority control of the NBA team, and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury soon after.

The Phoenix Suns were eventually sold to billionaire mortgage lender Mat Ishbia in December, and the exchange of a 57% controlling stake in the organization was made official earlier this month.

Robert Sarver has understandably disappeared from public life for the most part since the revelations of the 2021 ESPN expose. However, it seems in one of his final acts as the owner of the Phoenix Suns, he looked to show his appreciation for his former employees and financially apologize for his inappropriate behavior over the last 18-plus years.

In selling the Phoenix Suns, Robert Sarver reportedly banked $1.48 billion. It seems that some of that money he is giving back to the employees that he created an uncomfortable work environment around.

On Thursday, ESPN reported that new owner Matt Ishbia informed the organization that Sarver is giving $20,000 individual bonus checks, and as many as 300 members of the Phoenix Suns organization could be recipients of the payments in their next paychecks. Sarver is also reportedly donating $5 million to the team’s charity.

Only employees who worked on a full-time basis and started their employment with the team on or before Feb. 15, 2022, will qualify for the bonuses.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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