The NBA announced Wednesday that their investigation into Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury owner Robert Sarver has concluded. That came after allegations of racism and misogyny during his 17 years as owner.
His punishment was seen as lenient by many, with the NBA suspending him for one year while also fining him $10 million in the process after finding instances of “racially insensitive language” and “sex-related comments towards women” committed by Sarver. ESPN’s Baxter Holmes first reported on many of these allegations last November, following previous preemptive denials from the Suns. In the wake of that report, the NBA launched their own investigation into Sarver.
Many compared this situation to former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was banned from the NBA in 2014 and practically forced to sell the organization to now Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for his racist comments as owner.
Star point guard Chris Paul was a member of the Clippers organization during that time. He is now the leading locker-room presence on the Phoenix Suns team.
Paul released a statement on social media following the NBA’s decision on Sarver earlier this week. He blasted the NBA for its lenient stance on the matter.
“Like many others, I reviewed the report. I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read. This conduct especially toward women is unacceptable and must never be repeated.
“I am of the view that the sanctions fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behavior. My heart goes out to all of the people that were affected.”
Paul previously served as the president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013-2021. His stance on this matter is something that is certainly impactful for his peers in the league. And it’s notable to hear a key Suns player speak out this way.
He is not the first to speak up on the matter, with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reacting to the decision on Wednesday. And those two are likely not the last players to do so.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.