PHOENIX SUNS

Phoenix mayor investigating potential action against Suns’ Robert Sarver

Sep 15, 2022, 4:24 PM
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver attends the NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Footprint Center...
Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver attends the NBA game against the Chicago Bulls at Footprint Center on March 18, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Bulls 129-102. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a statement on Thursday that she has asked city staff to investigate any potential actions to take after the release of a report on Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver on Wednesday.

Gallego, along with Councilmembers Debra Stark, Betty Guardado, Yassamin Ansari and Carlos Garcia said they are “appalled by the actions substantiated in the NBA’s independent investigation into Phoenix Suns’ managing partner Robert Sarver.”

“We are extremely disappointed to learn of the awful actions that were allowed to take place within the organization and the lack of organizational safeguards to protect the victims of these acts and hold their perpetrators accountable,” the release reads. “Over the years, elected officials who serve the City of Phoenix have taken direct actions to create a safe and welcoming environment for all Phoenicians.

“Within our city, actions of discrimination and hate, based on a person’s race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability, are unacceptable, intolerable, and unlawful. The Phoenix Suns are known by millions of people around the world and represent our city and region to a large and loyal fan base.

“It is unacceptable for the organization’s leadership to be associated in any way with the despicable actions detailed in the report. We are equally concerned about a culture that would enable these actions to occur time and again, with – at most – ineffective disciplinary action.”

The report from an investigation done independently of the NBA that resulted in a one-year suspension and $10 million fine for Sarver includes that he “clearly violated common workplace standards” via “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.”

The statement from Gallego on Thursday follows point guard Chris Paul and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James tweeting on Wednesday they did not feel the league’s punishment given to Sarver was enough.

Phoenix Suns

Karl-Anthony Towns #32and Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves react after Towns hit the g...
Kellan Olson

Timberwolves finally at full strength ahead of crucial matchup vs. Suns

The Phoenix Suns have a big-time game on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have a few things coming together right now.
20 hours ago
Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring in the second half against the Chicago Bu...
Arizona Sports

Phoenix Suns list Kevin Durant as questionable vs. Timberwolves

The Phoenix Suns are listing Kevin Durant as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
20 hours ago
Phoenix Suns' Chris Paul, right, gets congratulations from Kevin Durant, left, and Devin Booker, mi...
Kevin Zimmerman

Mess of the West: Suns’ tiebreakers come into focus with 7 games left

Kevin Durant's return against the Minnesota Timberwolves could help the Phoenix Suns lock up an NBA standings tiebreaker.
20 hours ago
Former NBA player Charles Barkley, center, watches West Virginia and Auburn from the sideline durin...
Arizona Sports

Charles Barkley dishes on Kevin Durant feud, CNN show plans

Charles Barkley talked about a potential new CNN show he could host with Gayle King, his feud with Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns.
20 hours ago
Terrence Ross #8 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Kris Dunn #11 of the Utah Jazz during the first...
Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns begin final 2 weeks of regular season with win vs. Jazz

The Phoenix Suns started the last eight games of their regular season with a win over the Utah Jazz on the road.
2 days ago
Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns high fives Torrey Craig #0 after scoring against the Utah Jaz...
Arizona Sports

Suns’ Deandre Ayton, Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen both available Monday

Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton is available after being ruled probable to return to the lineup Monday night at the Utah Jazz.
2 days ago
Phoenix mayor investigating potential action against Suns’ Robert Sarver