Former Suns GM McDonough, coach Watson release statements on ESPN report
Nov 4, 2021, 6:38 PM
General Manager Ryan McDonough of the Phoenix Suns speaks during a press conference at Talking Stick Resort Arena on June 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Former Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough and head coach Earl Watson released statements following publication of Thursday’s ESPN report from Baxter Holmes accusing team owner Robert Sarver and the franchise of harboring a toxic workplace environment.
Watson, an assistant coach with the Toronto Raptors, released a statement after the Suns’ statement following the report that accused Watson of not being a credible source for the story.
— Earl J Watson (@Earl_Watson) November 4, 2021
“Instead of reporting the truth, Holmes’ story is based on misrepresentations from former Suns coach Earl Watson and other unnamed ‘sources’,” Sarver said in a statement. “Mr. Watson created an unprofessional and toxic atmosphere in our organization. He is clearly not a credible source.”
Watson responded.
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“I am not interested in engaging in an ongoing battle of fact,” Watson said as part of his statement. “Instead, I want to applaud the courage of the numerous players, executives, and staffers for fighting toxic environments of racial insensitivity, sexual harassment, and micro-aggressions of their truth.”
In the story, Watson accused Sarver of giving him an ultimatum to either fire his agent or he himself would be fired. Watson’s agent, Rich Paul, was also the representation for former point guard Eric Bledsoe, who was shut down the season prior to Watson’s firing and led to Paul and Sarver clashing, according to Watson.
Watson was fired three games into the 2017-18 season.
McDonough’s statement expressed support for those who came forward on the record in the report.
My thoughts on ESPN's story on the Phoenix Suns pic.twitter.com/qv5Pzo3V5H
— Ryan McDonough (@McDNBA) November 4, 2021
“I read ESPN’s story on the Suns’ franchise today and I was deeply disturbed by the contents of it, so I want to lend my full support to Earl Watson, (former assistant coach) Corliss Williamson and (former account executive) David Bodzin for having the courage to speak in this story,” McDonough said in a video posted to his Twitter account.
McDonough served as the organization’s general manager from 2013 to 2018 and was in the role when the team brought in Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges.
“To Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges in particular, you guys know me,” McDonough said. “I’ve always supported you, I will continue to support you. I’m here for you if you need me and you know how to get in touch with me.”
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