Phoenix Suns owner ‘shocked’ by sexism, racism claims

Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Robert Sarver has sharply disputed allegations on misdeeds that reportedly will be published in a forthcoming ESPN article.

According to a Friday tweet from Jordan Schultz, who co-hosts an NBA podcast with Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum, the ESPN article will accuse Sarver of “racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents.”

The Suns subsequently posted a statement from Sarver on Twitter: “I am wholly shocked by some of the allegations purported by ESPN about me, personally, or about the Phoenix Suns and Mercury organisations.

“While I can’t begin to know how to respond to some of the vague suggestions made by mostly anonymous voices, I can certainly tell you that some of the claims I find completely repugnant to my nature and to the character of the Suns/Mercury workplace and I can tell you they never, ever happened.

“First and foremost, I reject any insinuation of personal or organisational racism or gender discrimination. I despise language that disrespects any individuals, regardless of race, gender, preference, or choice.

“Such language has no place in business or at home in what I consider Suns and Mercury families. I am proud of our record of diversity and inclusion on both teams — whether on the court or in the front office.”

Suns general manager James Jones added in a statement, “None of what’s been said describes the Robert Sarver I know, respect and like – it just doesn’t.”

Schultz’s initial tweet referenced the possibility that the NBA, if it had enough damning evidence against Sarver, could look to force him to part ways with the team as it did with former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. In 2014, Sterling was banned by the league and ordered to sell the club after he was heard on tape making racists statements. (Reuters)