The investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver for allegations of racism and misogyny continues as employees, who had previously been silent due to nondisclosure agreements, are now able to speak. The release from NDAs is for the purpose of this investigation only, and does not apply moving forward. Former employees have already begun the interview process with others are scheduled to participate in interviews soon.
The current and former employees have prepared extensive documentation of dates, people and places in which these allegations occurred.
Sarver bought the Suns in 2004 and he has been connected to countless testimonies of toxic work environment through the years. Even if Sarver himself was not part of a specific incident, many employees felt he had a hand in shaping the culture and what has been tolerated within the organization.
Sarver has reportedly been accused of using the N-word, making hiring decisions based off of race, making inappropriate comments about women and making women feel like they were not as capable or as good at their job as men.
“If the commissioner comes in and investigates to see what the f— is going on in Phoenix,” a current Suns business operations employee told ESPN, “[He] would be appalled.”
Sarver denies all allegations against him. Some of them he flat-out says never happened. Some he chalks up to humor.
Some Suns employees disagree with the allegations as well.
“This story is completely outrageous and false,” Jason Rowley, the president and CEO of the Suns, told ESPN. “This story is completely outrageous and false. It doesn’t represent – at all – the Robert Sarver I’ve worked alongside of for 15 years. He’s not a racist and he’s not a sexist.”
The investigation will continue as three more lawyers have been attained to help with interviews.
