Suns Vice Chairman Calls for Robert Sarver's Resignation
The Phoenix Suns are merely weeks away from returning to the basketball court.
That can't come soon enough.
Since the results of the NBA's investigation into owner Robert Sarver's allegations of sexism and racism were released on Wednesday, the Suns have been under the burning microscope of the public eye.
A $10 million fine and one year suspension doesn't quite fit the bill for what should actually have happened. That's the opinion shared by everybody from Chris Paul to LeBron James.
That even includes Suns Vice Chairman Jahm Najafi, who sent an open letter to team employees and players on Thursday evening (credit to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic):
"Due to the NBA's investigation and findings, I have no choice but to speak up on behalf of the hundreds of you that have been impacted by your interactions with Robert Saver and the resulting investigation of his conduct.
"I first and foremost want to give my deepest thanks to all of you who garnered the courage to share your experiences, as difficult as it may have been, to help piece together a clearer picture of what work life must have been like for you over these past 18 years.
"There should be zero tolerance for discriminatory actions of any level, in any setting, let alone a professional one. There is no question that the findings determined that Mr. Sarver's lewd, misogynist and racist conduct had a substantial negative impact on you and has no place in our society.
"The report confirmed by multiple eyewitnesses that Robert Sarver used the "N-word" at least 5 times. The report confirmed Sarver engaged in conduct demeaning of female and pregnant employees The report confirmed Sarver made crude and sexually inappropriate comments in professional settings.
"The report confirmed Saver made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women and made inappropriate workplace physical conduct toward male employees.
"WORDS AND ACTIONS MATTER.
"Similar conduct by any CEO, executive director, president, teacher, coach or any other position of leadership would warrant immediate termination. The fact that Robert Sarver "owns" the team does not give him a license to treat others differently than any other leader.
"The fact that anyone would find him fit to lead because of this' "ownership" position is forgetting that NBA teams belong to the communities they serve. Team investors are merely temporary stewards. If we, as sports leaders, are not held to the same standards then how can we expect a functional society with integrity and respect on any level?
"We owe it to you: employees, players, partners and your families to provide the same positive workplace environment we would require of any other business.
"I cannot in good judgment sit back and allow our children and future generations of fans think that this behavior is tolerated because of wealth and privilege. Therefore, in accordance with my commitment to helping eradicate any form of racism, sexism and bias, as Vice Chairman of the Phoenix Suns, I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver.
"While I have no interest in becoming the managing partner, will work tirelessly to ensure the next team steward treats all stakeholders with dignity, professionalism and respect."
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