The National Basketball Association released finding from an intensive investigation from the last nine months after a massive story dropped on November 4th 2021 regarding the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying.”
Obviously this is unacceptable in any context but especially for a man of this much power. NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the board of governors for the NBA handed Sarver a hefty but still considered light set of requirements to meet, these requirements include the following.
- Mr. Sarver is suspended from the Suns/Mercury organization for a period of one year, during which time he will not:
- Be present at any NBA or WNBA team facility, including any office, arena, or practice facility.
- Attend or participate in any NBA or WNBA event or activity, including games, practices, or business partner 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, including attending or participating in meetings of either league’s Board (and their associated Board committees).
- Mr. Sarver must, during his suspension, complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.
- Mr. Sarver is fined $10 million, the maximum permitted by the NBA Constitution & By-Laws. The NBA will donate these funds to organizations that are committed to addressing race and gender-based issues in and outside the workplace.
- Additionally, the Suns/Mercury organization must fulfill a series of requirements for workplace improvements set forth and monitored by the NBA. These requirements, among other things, include:
- Retaining an outside firm to evaluate and make recommendations with respect to workplace training programs, policies and procedures, and hiring and compensation practices — with a focus on fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
- Conducting regular and anonymous workplace culture surveys and responding to survey results with specific action plans.
- Immediately reporting to the league any instances or allegations of significant misconduct by any employee.
- For a period of three years, providing the league with regular reports related to steps taken by the organization to address these requirements.
- Following league direction for remediation/improvement of workplace issues if/as they arise.
Now this may seem like a over the top set of rules going further for the Suns/Mercury owner but in the case of former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling back in 2014 this is considered to be a light fine, Sterling was banned from the NBA in a whole for a set of racist patterns in which Donald was forced to sell the Clippers. Players like LeBron James and Chris Paul have come out with statements saying “Our League Definitely Got This Wrong” in which for most to all members and players in the NBA they would agree this punishment is too light for the Suns/Mercury owner.
Sources: https://www.nba.com/news/nba-investigation-robert-sarver-suns-official-release
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