Phoenix Suns owner suspended by NBA over alleged racial comments and sexual misconduct

The National Basketball Association said owner Robert Sarver engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards.

By Charlotte Hazard

Published: September 13, 2022 1:26pm

Updated: September 13, 2022 2:41pm

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was suspended Tuesday by the NBA over alleged racist comments and sexual misconduct.

The NBA released a statement that said Sarver engaged in "conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in the team and League rules and policies."

Some of the conduct listed in the statement included:

using the "n word" at least on five separate occasions.
yelling and cursing at employees
making sexual comments at the workplace toward women.

Sarver, who also is the owner of the Phoenix Mercury in the Women's National Basketball Association, was fined $10 million in addition to his suspension and he is barred from all facilities connected with the NBA and WNBA, NBC reports.

An independent investigation is underway and, at least in part, is based on interviews from current and former employees, emails, text messages and documents.

"Among other things, the investigation found instances of racial insensitivity, mistreatment of female employees, inappropriate commentary related to sex or sexual orientation, and disrespectful communications," the NBA statement also read.