Recently sanctioned with a one-year suspension and a $ 10 million fine for highly inappropriate behavior towards his employees, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver avoided punishment of Donald Sterling, the former Clippers owner who had been forced to sell his franchise for racist remarks in 2014. However, under particular pressure from the players association, Sarver finally decided to put the Arizona franchise and the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) up for sale.
This is news that gets Adam Silver and the NBA out of a big mess. When the League announced a few days ago the sanction imposed on Robert Sarver, it was the subject of numerous criticisms from Suns employees, some media that have dealt with the NBA and especially the players, through their union but also statements of superstars LeBron James and Chris Paul. How can an owner who engages in sexist, misogynistic and racist behavior within his franchise keep his rights over it? This is the main question we could ask ourselves, a question that Commissioner Silver himself did not answer during his press conference on the subject. The footballers union, through its director Tamika Tremaglio, did not hesitate to ask that Robert Sarver be banned for life by the NBA for his behavior. One of the minority owners of the Suns – Jahm Najafi – has asked Sarver to step down, while one of the big sponsors of the franchise (PayPal) has stated that it will end its partnership with the Suns if the identity of the owner is not changed afterwards. this episode. Finally, we also heard Draymond Green putting NBA owners to the test, asking them to vote to end (or not) the Robert Sarver era in Phoenix. So many pressure shots that finally get the better of the owner of the Suns, that he will put the Arizona franchise up for sale according to a statement shared by Baxter Holmes ofESPN.
“As a man of faith, I believe in redemption and forgiveness. I expected that the commissioner’s one-year suspension would allow me to make amends and remove my personal controversies from the teams that I and so many people love.
But in the current ruthless climate, it has become sadly evident that this is no longer possible. It doesn’t matter what good things I’ve done, or can still do, it doesn’t matter what I’ve said in the past. For these reasons I am starting the process of selling the Suns and Mercury.
I don’t want to be a distraction to these two teams and the very capable people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement that basketball brings to fans around the world. “
The NBA should have asked for Sarver to sell the Suns early on. About her She got bogged down in a mess that could have gone very far against her.
The right and final decision will have been made. There is no room for this kind of speech and behavior, period.
– TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) September 21, 2022
Now, of course, the question that arises is about Robert Sarver’s successor. Who will become the new owner of the Suns? Like Adrian Wojnarowski ofESPN, Phoenix is an attractive franchise on paper. Attractive already because it has become very competitive in recent years, the Suns in particular have remained in the best season in their history with 64 wins and participation in the NBA Finals in 2021. Attractive because it has a young superstar like Devin Booker and very serious players like Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton who have their whole future ahead of them. But also attractive because there are worse destinations than sunny Arizona. On the sidelines of the Sarver deal, we are therefore in the franchise on the rise and according to Woj he could be shoving the gate to try to offer the best offer in order to obtain the keys to the Cactus.
Robert Sarver, who was to be temporarily replaced in his governor costume by Sam Garvin, will finally throw in the towel. “Best for everyone” according to the owner. The best thing for the Suns, for the rest of the League’s holders, for the NBA as a whole, and probably for him too.
Text sources: ESPN, @GeraldBourguet
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