SARVER'S SUNS FUTURE
BASKETBALL businessman Robert Sarver has owned the Phoenix Suns since 2004.
A renowned businessman, Robert has made a name for himself behind the scenes in both the NBA and WNBA.
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Who is Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver?
Born on October 31, 1961, Robert Sarver is an American businessman and co-founder of Southwest Value Partners, a real estate development company.
Aside from owning the Phoenix Suns NBA team, he is also the owner of the soccer league Real Club Deportivo Mallorca (RCD).
Sarver hails from Tuscon, Arizona, and began his career working for his father's company, American Savings and Loan at just 16 years old.
Sarver is also a certified public accountant.
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What is Sarver's net worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Sarver is estimated to be worth $400million.
The entrepreneur has amassed his wealth through his many business ventures.
At 23 years old, he founded the National Bank of Arizona, formerly known as the National Bank of Tucson.
A year later he purchased Grossmont Bank, the largest bank in the San Diego, California area.
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What happened to Sarver?
Sarver is in hot water after it was reported that he was accused of racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents, according to a tweet from Jordan Schultz.
Schultz also said that "with enough evidence to support such claims, there’s a real chance the league would forcibly remove Sarver."
The team issued a statement saying they have evidence and eyewitness accounts that contradict Schultz's claims, writing: "We urge everyone not to rush to judgment here.
"Especially based on lies, innuendo, and a false narrative to attack our organization and its leadership."
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Additionally, Sarver issued a statement about the alleged accusations, saying: "I am wholly shocked by some of the allegations purported by ESPN about me, personally, or about the Phoenix Suns and Mercury organizations.
"While I can’t begin to know how to respond to some of the vague suggestions made by mostly anonymous voices, I can certainly tell you that some of the claims I find completely repugnant to my nature and to the character of the Suns/Mercury workplace and I can tell you they never, ever happened.
“First and foremost, I reject any insinuation of personal or organizational racism or gender discrimination.
"I despise language that disrespects any individuals, regardless of race, gender, preference, or choice.
"Such language has no place in business or at home in what I consider Suns and Mercury families.
He continued: "I am proud of our record of diversity and inclusion on both teams – whether on the court or in the front office.
“I don’t begin to know how to prove that something DIDN’T happen, and it is difficult to erase or forget ugly accusations once they are made.
"Even hints of racism or sexism in our culture today are toxic and damaging and should not be lightly raised.
"I categorically deny any and all suggestions that I used disparaging language related to race or gender.
Adding: "I would like to think that my actions and public record regarding race, gender, or discrimination of any kind, over a lifetime in business and community service, will adequately answer any questions anyone might raise about my commitment to equality and fairness.”
On September 13, 2022, the NBA announced that Sarver is suspended for a year in relation to the above-mentioned accusations.
The association also shared that they fined the Suns owner for $10million.
The organization stated that his suspension is to last a year and that he won't be able to:
- Be present at any NBA or WNBA team facility, office, arena, or practice area
- Attend or participate in any NBA or WNBA event or activity
- Represent the Suns or Mercury in any public or private capacity
- Have any involvement with the business or basketball operations of the Suns or Mercury
- Have any involvement in the business, governance, or activities of either the NBA or WNBA
What comments did Robert Sarver allegedly make?
According to a report published by ESPN on November 4, Sarver allegedly made several uncouth misogynistic and racist comments during his 17-year tenure as a Suns owner.
Earl Watson, Suns head coach, told ESPN that after a game against the Golden State Warriors, Sarver allegedly said:
"You know, why does Draymond Green get to run up the court and say [N-word]," repeating the n-word several times in a row.
In interviews with more than 70 former and current Suns employees, many of them claimed they felt uncomfortable around Sarver.
In another alleged incident, "Sarver once passed around a picture of his wife in a bikini to employees and spoke about times his wife performed oral sex on him," reported ESPN.
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"The level of misogyny and racism is beyond the pale," one Suns co-owner told the outlet about Sarver. "It's embarrassing as an owner."
Sarver and his legal team have categorically denied all accusations against him.