Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Robert Sarver was handed a $10 million fine and a one-year suspension by the NBA following an investigation that revealed a "toxic and sometimes hostile workplace" under his leadership.
While Sarver's fine is the largest in NBA history, notable names around the league have expressed their disappointment in him remaining as a team owner following his suspension, including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Suns point guard Chris Paul.
Echoing their sentiments is Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi, who today called for Sarver's resignation.
"I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver," Najafi said in a statement.
Jahm Najafi, the second largest Suns stakeholder, has publicly called for the resignation of Robert Sarver in an open letter to Suns fans. pic.twitter.com/z7dMzUyHSP
— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) September 16, 2022
"Similar conduct by any CEO, executive director, president, teacher, coach, or any other position of leadership would warrant immediate termination. The fact that Robert Sarver 'owns' the team does not give him a license to treat others differently than any other leader.
The fact that anyone would find him fit to lead because of this 'ownership' position is forgetting that NBA teams belong to the communities they serve. ... Therefore, in accordance with my commitment to helping eradicate any form of racism, sexism, and bias, as vice chairman of the Phoenix Suns, I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver.
Najafi, who holds the second-largest share in the team behind Sarver says he isn't interested in buying Sarver's share of the team, but will help guide the future of the franchise.
"While I have no interest in becoming the managing partner, I will work tirelessly to ensure the next team steward treats all stakeholders with dignity, professionalism and respect," Najafi continued.
MORE: Where does Sarver's $10 million fine rank in NBA history?
Key findings from the Robert Sarver investigation
The investigation, which included interviews with 320 people and the examination of more than 80,000 documents and other materials, determined that Sarver made racially insensitive and "sex-related" comments and engaged in "inequitable conduct toward female employees."
- Mr. Sarver, on at least five occasions during his tenure with the Suns/Mercury organization, repeated the N-word when recounting the statements of others.
- Mr. Sarver engaged in instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees, made many sex-related comments in the workplace, made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women, and on several occasions engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees.
- Mr. Sarver engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them.
Additionally, the investigation found that there was a "lack of proper organizational policies and control" and noted that the Suns' human resources department was "historically ineffective and not a trusted resource for employees who were subjected to acts of improper workplace conduct."
You can read the full report here.
