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Proprietor Robert Sarver stands with the Western Convention Championship trophy after the Suns beat the LA Clippers to win the sequence in Recreation Six of the Western Convention Finals at Staples Heart on June 30, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The Suns beat the Clippers to advance to the NBA Finals.
Harry How | Getty Photos Sport | Getty Photos
The Phoenix Suns on Friday denied allegations of racism, sexism and harassment in opposition to proprietor Robert Sarver, forward of the discharge of a “proposed story” from ESPN.
“This story is totally outrageous and false,” Suns CEO and President Jason Rowley stated in a press release launched by the staff. “It would not signify – in any respect – the Robert Sarver I’ve labored alongside of for 15 years. He is not a racist and he is not a sexist.”
The assertion comes after NBA podcast host Jordan Schultz said in a tweet {that a} report will probably be launched with allegations in opposition to Sarver that would “forcibly” take away him.
Sarver stated in a press release Friday that he was “wholly shocked” by the ESPN allegations and vehemently denied them.
“Whereas I can not start to understand how to reply to a few of the imprecise strategies made by principally nameless voices, I can actually inform you that a few of the claims I discover fully repugnant to my nature and to the character of the Suns/Mercury office and I can inform you they by no means, ever occurred,” Sarver stated.
He added that he despises any language that “disrespects people, no matter race, gender, desire, or alternative.”
The Suns additionally stated in a press release that the potential ESPN story makes “fully baseless claims,” noting the staff has proof and eyewitness accounts that contradict the accusations in opposition to Sarver.
“We urge everybody to not rush to judgment right here,” the Suns stated within the assertion. “Particularly based mostly on lies, innuendo, and a false narrative to assault our group and its management.”
Rowley slammed the unnamed ESPN reporter of the proposed story, claiming that they confirmed a “reckless disregard for the reality.”
“He has harassed workers, former workers, and members of the family; used truths, half-truths and rumors to fabricate a narrative wherein he is closely invested after which perpetuate a totally false narrative throughout the sports activities trade to again it up,” Rowley stated in a press release.
Sarver bought the Suns from former proprietor Jerry Colangelo in 2004 for a document $401 million on the time.
Sarver has confronted criticism for his degree of involvement within the staff’s selections.
In 2018, ESPN reported that Sarver “has earned a long-standing fame for aggressively involving himself in basketball selections.”
ESPN added that Suns coaches “turned accustomed to common beratings and calls for of technique and lineup modifications” from Sarver.
He was most just lately criticized for not providing heart Deandre Ayton a max five-year rookie extension contract throughout the NBA’s offseason. Ayton will grow to be a restricted free agent after this season in consequence.
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