THE NBA’s decision to fine and suspend Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver but not ban him for reported racist and sexist behavior isn’t sitting well with some of the league’s biggest stars and the players’ union.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, Suns guard Chris Paul and National Basketball Players Association executive director Tamika Tremaglio all made their opposition to the Sarver ruling known on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).
A day earlier, the NBA released the results of a lengthy investigation into workplace misconduct under Sarver’s watch. Sarver was found to have used the “N-word” at least five times in addition to sexually harassing female employees and cursing and yelling at workers.
As a result, the league fined Sarver $10 million and suspended him from running the team for one year.
James responded on Twitter: “Read through the Sarver stories a few times now. I gotta be honest … Our league definitely got this wrong. I don’t need to explain why. Y’all read the stories and decide for yourself. I said it before and I’m gonna say it again, there is no place in this league for that kind of behavior. I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership. But this isn’t right.
“There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any workplace. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this aint it.
“Read through the Sarver stories a few times now. I gotta be honest. . . Our league definitely got this wrong. I don’t need to explain why. Y’all read the stories and decide for yourself. I said it before and I’m gonna say it again, there is no place in this league for that kind of.” — Field Level Media
