For fostering a hostile work environment at the Suns' headquarters for more than 18 years, Robert Sarver was fined $10 million and suspended from the NBA and WNBA for one year, along with his Phoenix Suns and Mercury.
According to Baxter Holmes of ESPN, who first broke the story on the work culture of the Suns about a year ago, that's not punishing enough to send a message that changes behavior. Neither is it enough for some current and former Suns employees.
"It hardly amounts to a slap on the wrist and demonstrates the league's genuine lack of support for diversity, equity, or inclusion. After being informed that I was crazy, a bitch, and being dramatic, I appreciate the validation. I can undoubtedly breathe a little easier now. But I'm furious. The league let us down when given a chance to uphold its principles.
With an estimated net worth of $800 million, Sarver will disregard the $10 million penalty. Sarver admitted that he disagreed with some of the conclusions of the NBA report, but he stated he would take responsibility for his conduct despite the one-year punishment. In a more practical sense, he will keep his head down and walk in believing that he got off light.
Knowing that nothing will have changed in a year must be disheartening for brave people who risked their jobs to come forward to Holmes and, finally, the law firm probing Sarver. Although the NBA report detailed Sarver's transgressions in 2021, after many adjustments had already been made, the league and Suns will point to changes in the Suns' organizational and structural makeup as well as to new policies that have been put in place.
This discussion might not be ended if there is pressure from players, particularly Chris Paul and the Suns' players, and, more crucially, if there is pressure from club and league sponsors. It's not a coincidence, though, that the NBA released this data weeks before even the start of training camps, during the NBA schedule's slowest period. The league only wants this to end.
This adds to a string of disappointments for Suns staff.
Login To Leave a Comment