Phoenix Suns Deny Owner Robert Sarver Is Racist And Sexist Ahead Of Possible ESPN Report
Owner Robert Sarver maintains the Western Conference Championship trophy after the Suns beat the Los Angeles Clippers to win the sixth game streak of the Western Conference Finals at the Staples Center on June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The Suns beat the Clippers to advance to the NBA Finals.
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The Phoenix Suns on Friday denied allegations of racism, sexism and harassment against owner Robert Sarver ahead of ESPN’s “proposed story” release.
“This story is completely outrageous and false,” Suns CEO and President Jason Rowley said in a statement released by the team. “This does not represent Robert Sarver, with whom I have worked for 15 years. He is neither racist nor sexist. “
The announcement comes after the host of the NBA podcast. Jordan Schultz tweeted that a report will be released with allegations against Sarver that could “forcefully” remove him.
Sarver said in a statement Friday that he was “completely shocked” by ESPN’s allegations and vehemently denied them.
“While I can’t figure out how to respond to some of the vague suggestions made by mostly anonymous voices, I can definitely tell you that some of the statements I find totally contradict my Sun / Mercury nature and nature,” Sarver said, “Sarver said. …
He added that he despises any language that “does not respect people, regardless of race, gender, preference or choice.”
The Suns also said the potential ESPN story contains “completely unfounded allegations,” noting that the team has evidence and eyewitness accounts that contradict the charges against Sarver.
“We urge everyone not to rush to sentencing,” Suns said in a statement. “Especially based on lies, innuendo and false stories directed against our organization and its leadership.”
Rowley criticized an unnamed ESPN reporter for the proposed story, saying they had demonstrated “a reckless disregard for the truth.”
“He harassed employees, former employees and family members; used truth, half-truth and rumor to come up with a story that he invested heavily in and then immortalized a completely false story in the sports industry to back it up, ”Rowley said in a statement.
Sarver acquired Suns from former owner Jerry Colangelo in 2004. for a record 401 million dollars while.
Sarver has faced criticism for his involvement in the team’s decisions.
In 2018 ESPN reported that Sarver “has a longstanding reputation for being aggressive in basketball decision-making.”
ESPN added that the Suns coaches are “used to the regular accusations and demands of strategy and line-up changes” from Sarver.
He was last criticized for not offering Center Deandre Ayton is the maximum five-year NBA offseason rookie renewal. As a result, Ayton will become a restricted free agent after this season.
