An explosive article detailing Suns majority owner's Robert Sarver's alleged racist and sexist behavior during his 17-year run was published by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes on Thursday.
The article surveyed up to 70 current and former members of the Suns organization, and summarized numerous accounts about Sarver’s actions and comments and the unhealthy culture it created.
In one excerpt, an employee recalls the time Sarver asked former Suns head coach Earl Watson why Warriors star Draymond Green was allowed to say the N-word while Sarver couldn't.
"You know, why does Draymond Green get to run up the court and say [n-word]," Sarver allegedly said, repeating the word numerous times after that. "You can't say that," Watson replied. "Why?" asked Sarver. "Draymond Green says [n-word]."
During another incident involving Watson, Sarver said that he doesn’t “like” diversity. Near the end of Watson’s time as coach, he told Sarver that he was "toxic," and that he was responsible for the team's situation.
“You’re f---ing toxic,” Sarver reportedly replied.
In a statement released by his legal team, Sarver denied ever using the racial slur, saying he’s "never" called "anyone or any group of people the n-word."
However, Sarver did acknowledge using the word once, many years ago.
"On one occasion a player used the N-word to describe the importance of having each other’s back," Sarver said through his attorneys. "I responded by saying, 'I wouldn't say n---a, I would say that we're in the foxhole together.' An assistant coach approached me a short time after and told me that I shouldn't say the word, even if I were quoting someone else. I immediately apologized and haven't said it ever again. The N-word has never been a part of my vocabulary."
The story was just a glimpse into a workplace environment many former employees called racially insensitive, inappropriate, and misogynistic.
Employees recounted a time where Sarver allegedly passed around a picture of his wife in a bikini to employees and speaking about times his wife performed oral sex on him.
“The level of misogyny and racism is beyond the pale," one Suns co-owner said about Sarver. "It's embarrassing as an owner."
There is certainly a lot to unpack in Holmes explosive report, and it will be very interesting to see the response from players across the league—especially ones coming from former and current Suns players.
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