Phoenix Suns Owner Suspended, Fined $10 Million After Conduct ‘Clearly Violated’ Workplace Standards

Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver takes images during a game against the Houston Rockets at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Feb. 16, 2022. Rick Scuteri/USA TODAY via Reuters

The NBA has suspended Robert Sarver, the owner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, for a year and fined him $10 million following an investigation that alleged he engaged in sexist and racist behavior.

In November 2021, ESPN alleged misconduct by Sarver, after which the NBA commissioned law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to look into the matter. The firm interviewed 320 individuals and evaluated over 80,000 documents and other materials including text messages and emails.