Report: Suns' Sarver facing allegations of racism, sexism

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Suns owner Robert Sarver facing allegations of racism, sexism, sexual harassment

By Zac Wassink | Last updated Oct 22, 2021 6:12 PM ET

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was recently in headlines for his refusal to offer center Deandre Ayton a maximum contract extension ahead of the deadline to do so but could soon be in the news for a much different reason.

NBA insider Jordan Schultz reports the league is readying itself for a story alleging acts of "racism, sexism and sexual harassment" by Sarver that could result in his permanent removal from the club and the Association:

Breaking: The NBA is preparing for a massive story accusing #Suns owner Robert Sarver of racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents, sources say. With enough evidence to support such claims, there’s a real chance the league would forcibly remove Sarver.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 22, 2021

No other details about this report or the allegations were known as of late Friday afternoon.

Many will remember how the NBA banned former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life in 2014 after he was caught making racist remarks. That resulted in former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer ultimately buying the Clippers.

Suns beat reporter Evan Sidery is one of several knowledgeable individuals connecting the dots and wondering if former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver and Suns minority owner Larry Fitzgerald could have a larger role with the organization if Sarver is exiled:

If Robert Sarver is removed as owner of the Phoenix Suns by the NBA, you have to wonder if minority owner and Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald would temporarily step in to a bigger role.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 22, 2021

Sidery adds:

If the Phoenix Suns are eventually sold to a new ownership group, the current team value is $1.8 billion, per @Forbes.

Robert Sarver purchased the Suns for $401 million in 2004.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 22, 2021

Without any further information, though, even reporters are left guessing on Sarver's potential fate ahead of the weekend.

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

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