Robert Sarver Suspended 1-Year by the NBA

The NBA announced today that Robert Sarver, Managing Partner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, will be suspended for one year and fined $10 million. 

The NBA today issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/jjlBK771PT

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) September 13, 2022

This news comes after an independent investigation by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. 

The report states Mr. Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and League rules and policies. This conduct included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that occasionally constituted bullying.”

During his suspension, Sarver must also complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate conduct inthe workplace. He won’t be allowed to attend any Suns/Mercury team sponsored events or be involved in any of their governance in any capacity for the duration of the entire one year suspension.

While the NBA says Robert Sarver "cooperated fully with the investigative process," sources tell @Baxter and me that the Suns owner was unaccepting of idea he deserved a one-year suspension and $10M fine for his behavior. The punitive part of process became largely acrimonious.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 13, 2022