J-Speaks: Suns and Mercury Disgraced Governor Says He Has Begun Process To Sell Both Pro Basketball Squads

 

After the NBA handed out a one-year suspension onto Governor of the Phoenix Suns along with a $10 million fine after nearly year-along investigation that found him guilty of making inappropriate comments and gestures onto many employees, especially those that were female, there were many that called for him to sell his stake within the team immediately. Several high-profile All-Star players, particularly the Suns perennial All-Star point guard called for the ouster of Suns Governor after the report came out. Well on Wednesday just five days before “Media Day,” the players as well as many within the Suns  got their wish.

On Wednesday, Suns’ Governor Robert Sarver announced he has put the wheels in motion selling both the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s three-time champion Phoenix Mercury franchises.

“As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and the path to forgiveness,” Mr. Sarver said in a statement Wednesday. “I expected that the Commissioner’s [Adam Silver’s] one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love.”

“But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible—that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past. For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury.”

Commissioner Silver said he “fully supports” Mr. Sarver’s decision to sell the Suns and Mercury adding that, “This is the right next step for the organization and community.”

Robert Sarver Timeline of Events
Nov. 4, 2021: ESPN’s Baxter Holmes publishes story of an investigation into Sarver and Suns’ workplace culture.
Sept. 13, 2021: NBA releases report of an independent investigation on Sarver, suspends Sarver for 2022-23 season and fines him $10 million.
Sept. 15, 2021: Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi calls for Sarver’s resignation.
Sept. 16, 2021: Suns’ Jersey sponsor PayPal says it will not renew after 2022-23 season if Sarver remains involved with team.

Sarver was suspended for the entire 2022-23 season and fined $10 million after an investigation by the NBA conducted by Wachtell Lipton, a law firm based in New York as well as specialists from the global accounting firm Deloitte, which is headquartered in London and Kirkland & Ellis, a Chicago-based law firm reported and confirmed that he sued the N-word at least on five occasions “when recounting the statements of others.” That he treated Suns employees in a “demeaning” way, including “yelling and cursing at many of them. Made sex-related comments in workplace and engaged inappropriate conduct toward male employees.  

The investigation came as a result of an ESPN story in November 2021 by Baxter Holmes that detailed the plethora of allegations of racism and misogyny in the 17 seasons under Sarver’s Governorship of Suns and Mercury.

A current Suns staffer told ESPN that while the person is pleased that while Mr. Sarver was “initially” did not genuinely show remorse for his actions, it brings her “comfort” that he put the organization as well as the city of Phoenix, AZ ahead of his “own needs and desires,” and that the organization can proceed “without the hurt and anguish” that he tied with the Suns for nearly two decades.

Another staffer who participated in the investigation said they were “relieved.” “Beyond happy. “Empowered” and “Motivated” to continue the insurance that all the men that remain in the Suns/Mercury organization that were a part of the toxic culture are “rooted out.”

That Mr. Sarver many times was involved in “inequitable conduct” towards female employees, including making comments that were “sex-related” as well as inappropriate comments on the wardrobe of female employees of the organization.

“Words that I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together—and strengthened the Phoenix area—through the unifying power of professional men’s and women’s basketball,” Sarver also wrote in his statement.

Mr. Sarver was part of an ownership group that purchased the Suns and Mercury in July 2004 for close to $400 million, with Sarver having a stake of one-third in both squads. But was the primary Governor of the Suns and Mercury.

The Suns were recently valued at $1.8 billion according to Forbes.

While Sarver is not own the Suns and Mercury fully, sources told ESPN that Sarver has the authority, as a managing partner to on if he wanted to sell the Suns and Mercury in full. Along with that, the source added that any new Governor or ownership group could ask that a member or members of the current ownership group be a part of the new ownership group, which remains to be seen if that does happen.

The rest of the current ownership group “Suns Legacy Partners, LLC” did issue a statement early Wednesday evening in support of Sarver’s decision to sell the Suns and Mercury that said on Suns Twitter page @ Suns:

“We agree that Robert Sarver’s decision to sell the Suns and Mercury is in the best interest of the organization and community.”

“We also know that today’s news does not change the work that remains in front of us to create, maintain and protect a best-in-class experience for our staff, players, fans, partners, and community.”

“As we’ve shared with our employees, we acknowledge the courage of the people who came forward in this process to tell their stories and apologize to those hurt.”

“We are on a journey that began before last November, one that has included changes to leadership, staff an accountability measures. While we are proud of our progress and the culture of respect and integrity we are building, we know there remains work to do and relationships to rebuild. We are committed to doing so for our staff, players, fans, partners, and this community.”

Since the investigation’s findings were made public and Sarver’s punishment was handed down, by Commissioner Silver, who said in his presser last week of his decision “I did not have the right to take away his team, two of the NBA’s top stars and the emotional leader of the Golden State Warriors spoke up about the punishment handed down on Sarver.

Four-time Kia MVP LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers said on his Twitter page last week, “Our league [NBA] definitely got this wrong.”

Suns’ 11-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul, former president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) said on his social media page, “I am of the view that the sanctions fell short.” Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green of Golden State Warriors expressed their disappointment on the punishment that Sarver got.

Green, who will playing in his 11^th NBA season, all with the Warriors, said on “The Volume Podcast” that he thought it was “absolutely insane” that Sarver received just a one-year ban and $10 million fine and get the opportunity to return to the sidelines in 2023-24. That it “goes against everything” the NBA stands for.

“To think that someone like Robert Sarver that’s acting in that manner can continue to represent us, that’s [expletive],” the four-time All-Star added.

He even took it a step further saying when he called for the 29 other Governors of NBA squads to vote to remove Sarver.

“Alright, let’s have the vote. Because then also what we’ll know is who else maybe saying it behind closed doors,” Green said. “And based on these votes, what you will know is values. Like, what are the values of others that, quite frankly we’re playing for. We will simply know who stands with us and who don’t.”

“It’s easy to sit back and not say nothing. I’m asking that there be a vote. If that’s the only way, then let’s see what those numbers are?”

NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio said last week, “We are absolutely calling for (lifetime ban),” on the punishment they wanted Sarver to receive. 

When Holmes’ report first came out back as mentioned in November 2021, Suns head coach Monty Williams and the Suns All-Star backcourt of Paul and Devin Booker had the same message according to ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, which was they were going to wait for the investigation, which did take place and Sarver as mentioned was suspended and fined, which did not sit well with as mentioned the Suns player and their peers as well as NBPA, which had a statement last week on “NBA Today.”

The question was if Sarver did not step down, what other steps was the organization willing to make.

The Suns jersey patch sponsor PayPal since 2018, who partnership was set to expire after this upcoming NBA season was one of the Suns first business partners to threatened to conclude their partnership if Mr. Sarver remained a part of the organization. That would have meant $3 million that was made by the Suns in 2021-22 would have gone out the door.

“In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension,” PayPal CEO and President Dan Schulman said in a statement back on Sept. 16.

Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi, the team’s second-largest stakeholder also called for Sarver’s resignation.

Back in 2014 when then Los Angeles Clippers Governor Donald Sterling’s had his scandal where he said disgraceful words about minorities within his organization, that were caught on audio and led to a lifetime banned, issued by Commissioner Silver, nearly all the team’s sponsored Windhorst said ordered their deals blackout immediately. The next day, all the Clippers sponsorships, which happened during the 2014 Playoff series were gone.

PayPal was the only sponsor for the Suns that publicly said they would not do business anymore with the Suns if Sarver was not ousted after his year-long suspension.

With Sarver saying he has started to sell the Suns and Mercury, that forcefulness that would have had to put shown by the Suns players as well as by their peers in the NBA likely won’t have to take place because of how the quiet public pressure that has been displayed by some of the NBA key voices amongst the players as well as the NBPA as well as government officials in the city of Arizona.

James tweeted on Wednesday afternoon @KingJames, “I’m so proud to be a part of a league committed to progress!”

Current NBPA President CJ McCollum, guard for the New Orleans Pelicans added, “We thank Mr. Sarver for making a swift decision that was in the best interest of our sports community.”

ESPN NBA analyst, Phoenician Richard Jefferson, who played in the NBA for 17 seasons with the then New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets the news of Sarver selling the Suns and Mercury “amazing.”

“I think this is the best thing that can happen to this league,” Jefferson, who won a championship with Cavaliers and James in 2016 also said on last Wednesday’s episode of “NBA Today.”

As a fellow Phoenician, who also went to the University of Arizona and played for the late Lute Olsen, where Mr. Sarver also went to college and who helped get Sarver to become owner of the Suns.

Jefferson also said that while Sarver is a part of the family and the fraternity of the University of Arizona Wildcats, he could have happier to see him get axed as the soon to be former owner of the Suns because while he did not have the horrific experiences that many other that worked for Sarver experienced for the Suns and Mercury, he had friends and acquaintances that did.

“He does not belong in this league. He does not belong around people in this league [NBA],” Jefferson added about Sarver’s ouster. “This is a joyous occasions. I’m about to put a bid on the Suns. I’m probably going to fall a few dollars short. But I’m definitely putting in a bid. I’m doing something.”

While Sarver has put into motion the sale of the Suns and Mercury, he will be the one to decide who he will sell it too, Ramona Shelburne pointed out on Wednesday’s “NBA Today.”

So, over the course of the coming weeks and possibly months of the names that you hear inquiring about purchasing ownership in the figures of $3 possibly $ billion for the Suns and Mercury like CEO of Amazon Jeff Bezos; former Disney CEO Bob Iger; Lorraine Jobs, minority owner of Washington Wizards.

Shelburne said that it is likely the person who eventually does purchase the Suns and Mercury from Sarver will be an “outside owner” and the process of making the transaction will take at the least a couple of months. But Robert Sarver will be at the wheel of this whole process. Just like how Shelly Sterling, Donald’s ex-wife was the one who decided to sell to the Clippers current Governor Steve Ballmer for $2 billion in May 2014.

Also, the NBA has to approve who Sarver sells the Suns to, even though he does have the latitude on who he decides to sell the teams to according to ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

Forbes recently estimated that the Suns value is currently at $1.8 billion, and Wojnarowski pointed out on Wednesday that many NBA executives have said over the years that the Suns are a “sleeping giant.” That they have seen the Suns with the “right ownership” can be an attractive place for perspective free agents because Phoenix, AZ is a warm weather city that right now has a team that has a “Core Three” of Devin Booker (25), Deandre Ayton (24), and Mikal Bridges (26) all signed to long term deals and in have led the Suns to The Finals two seasons back (2020-21) and recorded the best record in the NBA (64-18) last season. A great floor general in Paul who has been exceptional leader both on and off the court in his nearly two decades in the NBA. A state-of-the-art practice facility and newly renovated arena, the Footprint Center. On top of that, they have head coach/executive combination of Monty Williams, 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year, who also signed a long-term deal this summer and James Jones, NBA Executive of the Year in 2021 that have worked really well together since William’s arrival three years ago.  

The other thing that the Suns have to take on now is their ability to conduct the business of the roster of the team.

ESPN’s front office insider, who has two decades of NBA front office experience, including five of those with the then New Jersey (now Brooklyn) Nets said Sept. 13 edition of ESPN’s “NBA Today” posed the question four days after Sarver was punished by the NBA do they have the authority to continue to spend?

The Suns for the first time since 2009-10 season they are paying into the luxury tax of $32.6 million tax penalty, their largest in franchise history. They have an open roster spot that would cost them $7 million to fill.

Marks said that the best indicator of whether the Suns will be able to conduct business as usual is if they are just about to make either a trade or signing that would add an extra $14 to $15 million in extra salary, do the Suns back off making that transaction or do they make that transaction?

ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Brian Windhorst did point out though last week on the same show that the Suns front office has been “very active” within the past month filling out their roster right before the start of training camp, which began with “Media Day” on Monday morning.

Windhorst said that the Suns business current is centered around possibly trading forward Jae Crowder, who did not attend “Media Day” as he is seeking to be dealt as he is in the last year of his three-year, $30 million deal that he signed in the offseason of 2020.

Whether Crowder, who is scheduled to make $10.1 million this upcoming season in the final year of his deal.

Currently the person in charge who will have the final say on any Suns transaction is appointed Governor and current Vice Chairman of the Suns Sam Garvin.

Windhorst pointed out that he would not be surprised if the Suns make a call to the Jazz and inquire about trading for sharp shooting forward Bojan Bogdanovic. However, that opportunity is no longer because recently, the Jazz dealt Bogdanovic to the Pistons in exchange for veteran forward/center Kelly Olynyk and reserve guard Saben Lee.

The Suns are also in negotiations on a contract extension with Crowder air apparent in sharp-shooting forward Cameron Johnson, who is extension eligible on his rookie deal until Oct. 17, one day before the start of the 2022-23 NBA regular season campaign. That deal if it is signed would not have any impact on the Suns financial books for the 2022-23 season but down the line.

If the Suns are able to extend Johnson, they would avoid a very messy restricted free agency situation like they had with Deandre Ayton this offseason, where he they brought him back on a four-year, $133 million that they matched after he was offered that by the Indiana Pacers back in middle of July.

“So, from a front office perspective. From the folks that I’m talking to, the Suns are operating like a championship contender looking to improve their team heading into [Training] Camp,” Windhorst said.

For 17 years, the Phoenix Suns of the NBA and the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA were franchises that on the surface things seemed okay. But behind the scenes, it was not all blissful thanks in part to a member of their ownership group in Robert Sarver who thought he was better than the people who worked for him and treated them like they were second class employees, especially those that were female.

Thanks to a story done by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes and independent law firm Wachtell Lipton, the global accounting firm of London Deloitte and the law firm Kirkland & Ellis, they were able to come up with a report that eventually forced Mr. Sarver to sell the team or see it value dry up like water in a hot desert.

However, the wheels of Sarver selling the Suns and Mercury are just beginning and he will have the final say on who he decides to sell the Suns and Mercury to. On top of that, those that allowed the despicable and disgusting culture to linger for so long with the Suns and Mercury have not been weeded out and they still remain.

As founder of the National Action Network, host of MSNBC’s “Politics Nation,” Civil Rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton said in a statement on Wednesday Sarver’s decision is only the “first step in the long road toward social justice,” and that the NBA still has some “soul searching” to do.

The racist old boys’ club in professional sports is officially closed,” Rev. Sharpton said in a statement. “A new era is upon us where it is intolerable to view Black players like property…It is now imperative that the NBA, both teams, the corporate sponsors, and the new owner, whomever they may be, follow through on the commitment to root out racism, misogyny and hate.”   

Information and quotations are courtesy of 9/19/2022 3 p.m. “NBA Today” ESPN With Malika Andrews, Ramona Shelburne, Ros Gold-Onwude, Brian Windhorst Bobby Marks, 9/20/2022 3 p.m. “NBA Today” With Malika Andrews, Ramona Shelburne, Zach Lowe, Marc J. Spears, Baxter Holmes, Adrian Wojnarowski, Kendrick Perkins, Ohm Youngmisuk, Andrew Lopez, Tim MachMahon;  9/21/2022 ESPN.com story, “Robert Sarver Says He’s Starting Process To Sell NBA’s Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury,” By Baxter Holmes; 9/21/2022 3 p.m. “NBA Today” With Malika Andrews, Ramona Shelburne, Zach Lowe, Richard Jefferson, Baxter Holmes; Bobby Marks, Adrian Wojnarowski; and https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Ballmer#Sports.

J-Speaks: Suns' Governor Fined Heavily and Suspended After Serious Findings of Inappropriate Workplace Conduct

 

While the skies from the surface looked very clear in 2021-22 for the Phoenix Suns, there was a serious invisible cloud hanging over them within their front office. Last week, that dark cloud within their organization was revealed and has put them under a serious microscope with the only way to remove that lens is to remove the top person in charge of their organization.

Last Tuesday Suns’ Governor as well as Governor of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury was suspended for one year and fined $10 million by the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a result of an investigation that found during his nearly two decades as the front office leader of the Phoenix’s two pro basketball squads he used the N-word at least on five occasions. 

This investigation by the NBA into the Suns and Governor Sarver was commissioned after ESPN’s Baxter Holmes published a very detailed story on those allegations of racism and misogyny during Sarver’s tenor that began in 2004.

The investigation, which was led by Wachtell Lipton, a law firm based in New York as well as specialists from the global accounting firm Deloitte, which is headquartered in London and Kirkland & Ellis, a Chicago-based law firm uncovered that Mr. Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and league rules and policies.”

The investigation included interviews with 320 former and current employees of the Suns as well as Mr. Sarver, the NBA announced as well as conducted an examination of more than 80,000 pieces of documentation and other materials such as E-Mails, text messages and videos.

The Suns also granted to those of the investigation access to human resources records and thousands of internal E-Mails, according to sources. 

The report was made available online for those that wanted to see the investigation fully.  

The investigation also uncovered that Sarver was engaged in several instances of “inequitable conduct towards female employees.” Made a plethora of sex-related comments in the “workplace.” Made comments that were inappropriate about the physical appearance by female employees and other women as well as on a plethora of other occasions engaged in inappropriate physical misconduct towards male employees. Made a plethora of demeaning and harsh treatment of Suns employees that included yelling and cursing at them.

In interviews with Wachtell Lipton lawyers, most of which happened in person, over the phone and via videoconference calling, Suns employees confirmed the allegations from Baxter Holmes’ published story by ESPN in November 2021 and introduced others as well as provided documentation, including E-Mails.

The release of the investigation noted that there were “no finding that Mr. Sarver’s workplace misconduct was motivated by racial or gender-based animus.”

The findings also provided several instances of inappropriate conduct engaged by Suns employees not directly involving Sarver and “a lack of proper organizational policies and controls. Those findings also included “instances of racial insensitivity, mistreatment or female employees, inappropriate commentary related to sex or sexual orientation, and disrespectful communications.” It was also revealed that the Suns human resource department was “historically ineffective” and not the most trustworthy for employees to come to when they were subjected to “improper workplace conduct.”

“The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement about the findings from the investigation into Sarver. “We believe the outcome is the right one, taking into account all the facts, circumstances and context brought to light by the comprehensive of this 18-year period and out commitment to upholding proper standards in the NBA workplaces.”

Commissioner Silver added, “I am hopeful that the NBA community will use this opportunity to reflect on what this great game means to people everywhere and the values of equality, respect, and inclusion that it strives to represent. Regardless of position, power, or intent, we all need to recognize the corrosive and hurtful impact of racially insensitive and demeaning language and behavior. On behalf of the entire NBA, I apologize to all of those impacted by the misconduct outlined. In the investigators’ report. We must do better.”

Commissioner Silver said though in a press conference last Wednesday that the lack of “racial animus” was the reason the suspension for Sarver was not longer.

Silver said that he has “certain authority” and that is what he exercised but added, “I don’t have the right to take away his team. I don’t want to rest on that legal point because of course there could be a process to take away someone’s team in this league.”

“It’s very involved, and I ultimately made the decision that it didn’t rise to that level. But, to me, the consequences are severe here on Mr. Sarver. In terms of future behavior, there’s no question he’s [Sarver] is on notice. He knows that. And I also think though if you look at the chronology of this sort of report is that most of this activity most of the inappropriate activity goes back many years.”

“I would say the Suns workplace is a very different environment today, even at the beginning of this investigation than it was years ago.”  

To many though, the $10 million fine, which is the maximum permitted by the NBA was not enough. Those funds being donated to organizations “addressing race and gender-based issues in and outside the workplace” is not enough. On top of that, the comments made by Commissioner Silver that the Suns workplace has gotten better even during the investigation many current Suns employees say that is false.

Holmes on Thursday’s edition of ESPN’s “NBA Today” read a quote from a current Suns staffer that said, “The sad thing is, much of the discussion acts as if these were long ago historical events and that things have been cleaned up. My co-workers are so infuriated that this is the perception…The Commissioner has this very wrong.”

A former Suns employee in echoing those same feelings said to ESPN when they initially released their story in November 2021, “It’s barely a slap on the wrist and shows us the league truly doesn’t stand for that diversity, equity or inclusion.”

“I’m grateful to have the validation after being told I was insane, a b---and being dramatic. That definitely lets me breathe a little.”

“But I’m angry. The league failed us when they had the opportunity to stand behind its values.”

A current Suns employee, who also spoke to ESPN said of the NBA decision to just suspend  Sarver, “I am so f---ing mad. So are many others.”

Holmes also pointed out on Thursday that back in May a longtime female staffer resigned from the Suns citing the fear of being retaliated against after she reported “concerns about toxic and misogynistic work culture.”

This former female staffer Holmes said sent an E-Mail to members of the ownership group, including Mr. Sarver.

“I want to say people there are feeling as if this is being framed as a lot of long-ago things. And there’s a lot of angry people because of the way Adam Silver framed that,” Holmes said.

Suns perennial All-Star lead guard Chris Paul, who served two terms as the President of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) me Kia MVP and four-time NBA champion LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers also tweeted their harsh feelings towards Sarver’s punishment.

“Like many others, I reviewed the report. I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read,” Paul tweeted @CP3 on evening of Sept. 14. “This conduct especially towards 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.”

James in his tweet about Sarver’s suspension after reading through the report “a few times” that the NBA “definitely got this wrong.”

He also said in his tweet @KingJames, “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 not 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 ain’t it.”  

While “The Association” had stated that Sarver “cooperated fully with the investigative process,” sources around the league told ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, who has covered this story from the start and ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski that Mr. Sarver feels he did not deserve a one-year suspension and have to pay a $10 million fine for his misconduct.

“While I disagree with some of the particulars of the NBA’s report, I would like to apologize for my words and actions that offended our employees,” Sarver said via statement thought the Suns. “I take full responsibility for what I have done. I am sorry for causing this pain, and these errors in judgment are not consistent with my personal philosophy or my values.”

“I accept the consequences of the NBA’s decision. This moment is an opportunity for me to demonstrate a capacity to learn and grow as we continue to build a working culture where every employee feels comfortable and valued.” 

The Suns also released a statement that said they are “committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.”

They also said in the statement that “at the direction of senior leadership,” they have “strengthened” their culture and “focused” on the creation of “a workplace where everyone feels included and valued.”  

During Sarver’s one-year suspension he cannot be present at any NBA or WNBA team event or activities, which include practices, games, or business partner activities. He cannot represent the Suns or Mercury in any public or private capacity. Have any involvement with the business or basketball operations of the Suns or Mercury. And have any involvement in the business, governance, or activities of either the NBA or WNBA, which includes attending or participating in meetings of either league’s Board (and their associated Board committees).

Sarver must also complete a training program that focuses on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.

On Thursday, the Suns named Sam Garvin interim Governor for the next year while Sarver serves his one-year suspension.

Holmes also said on Thursday, which was also confirmed by ESPN’s Zach Lowe Garvin has been with the Suns since Sarver led an ownership group that purchased the Suns back in 2004. This decision was effective as of last Wednesday evening and was authorized by Commissioner Silver.

Holmes also mentioned that Garvin supported Sarver in the statement that was released right after ESPN broke the story of the Suns toxic work environment led by Sarver

The Suns and Mercury organizations must also fulfill a series of requirements for workplace improvements that the were set for by the NBA, which include:

*Retaining an outside firm to evaluate and make recommendations with respect to workplace training programs, policies, and procedures, and hiring and compensation practices—with the focus on fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

*Conducting regular and anonymous workplace culture surveys and responding to survey results with specific action plans.

*Immediately reporting to the league any instances or allegations of significant misconduct by any employee.

*For a period of three years, providing the league with regular reports related to steps taken by the organization to address these requirements.

*Following league direction for remediation/improvement of workplace issues if/as they arise.

Two things that will speed up the possible process of having Sarver removed as Governor of the Suns is them public pressure from fans and sponsors taking their money elsewhere.

In the later part of last Wednesday, NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio issued a statement saying of the detailed report that came out of Mr. Sarver’s misconduct for nearly two decades as Suns owner are “horrible” and they do not have “a place in our sport or any workplace for that matter.”

Tremaglio also said that she expressed her position on Sarver’s punishment and believes very “strongly” that Mr. Sarver “never” hold a position of ownership within the NBA again.

Tremaglio said to Malika Andrews during an interview on the Friday afternoon edition of ESPN’s “NBA Today” that she has had “many” conversations with NBA players over a previous 2-3 days and they each made “very clear” after reviewing the aforementioned report that Mr. Sarver’s behavior is “something we absolutely do not condone.”

When asked by Andrews if any current or former players of any team recounted to Tremaglio of being witnessed or the target of any of Mr. Sarver’s inappropriate behavior, she said that she has not had any specific engagement with any of the players in the league when it comes to that.

Tremaglio did say that the players will have “their own opinions” and certainly have “the right” make those opinions voiced from their own mouths.

The current NBPA President CJ McCollum Tremaglio said that he has allowed to speak on behalf of the NBPA in terms of what they want collectively. But LeBron James, Chris Paul and other the NBA’s major voices that have serious weight are in position to voice on the things that impact them and how they feel on this situation specifically.

When Andrews asked Tremaglio about how Commissioner Silver’s openness to her and other’s thoughts about changing the one-year suspension that Mr. Sarver received, Tremaglio said that Silver was “very willing” to hear her as well as hear thoughts of other’s players that he has conversed with about this situation.

“I don’t know how open he is in terms of actually wanting to make the change. I think it is our hope that it will be very clear that Mr. Sarver should not be in a position to be able to come back and be in a managerial position,” Tremaglio said.

“I think we’ve heard from other owners. Other sponsors, etc. and I think it’s pretty clear that there is no expectation of him returning.”    

One of the Suns’ sponsors, their jersey patch partner PayPal said on Friday that it would not renew its sponsorship with the team if Mr. Sarver does get reinstated as the team’s Governor following his one-year suspension.

In a statement regarding Mr. Sarver, PayPal CEO and President Dan Schulman said, “PayPal’s sponsorship with the Suns is set to expire at the end of the current season. In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension.”

Suns Vice  Chairman and Minority owner Jahm Najafi, the team’s largest stakeholder on Thursday also called for the resignation of Mr. Sarver saying in an open letter saying there should be “zero tolerance” for any lewd, misogynistic, and racist conduct in any workplace.

“Similar conduct by any CEO, executive director, president, teacher, coach, or any other position of leadership would warrant immediate termination,” Najafi wrote in the letter. “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.”

Najafi also said in the letter that anyone who invests in the team are “temporary stewards.” That if “sports leaders” are not held to the same high standard, then how can it be expected to function 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,” Najafi added.

“I cannot in good judgment sit back and allow our children and future generations of fans to think that his 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.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and some of the city’ councilmembers also released a statement on Thursday how they are “appalled” by the actions detailed in the released report on Mr. Sarver. They called it in the letter “unacceptable” for the Suns leadership to have any association in any matter with a person that would display the “despicable actions” that were detailed in the report.

“We have asked the city staff to investigate any actions we, as leaders of the City of Phoenix, can take in the light of the details substantiated in the report,” Gallego added in the statement.

She and the city councilmembers added, “We are equally concerned about a culture that would enable these actions to occur time and again, with—at most—ineffective disciplinary actions.

The feelings and emotions that have been express by James, Paul, and Tremaglio echoed the stance many took in 2014 when the NBA investigated alleged racist misconduct from the Los Angeles Clippers and their then Governor Donald Sterling.

Those allegations ended up being true and were backed up by some audio of Sterling expressing his feelings about minorities to his then mistress.

James, who was with the Miami Heat then said before a First Round Playoff tilt against the Charlotte Hornets, “There’s no room for Donald Sterling in the NBA. There’s no room for him.”

He added about the Clippers players then, which included Paul, “They have to make a stand. The have to be very aggressive with it. I don’t know what it will be, but we can’t have that in our league.”

The Clippers did take a stance before their Playoff game at the Golden State Warriors they had their shirts inside out with the Clippers insignia inside of their shirts and before they took to their end of the court for warmups took their Clippers warmup shirts off and put them in the middle of the court on the Warriors insignia.

What followed after the Clippers took a stance as Holmes said to host of ESPN’s “NBA Today” Malika Andrews that over a dozen sponsors terminated their partnership with the team.

With the possible loss of PayPal, that means the Suns would see possible $3 million in revenue go out the door with more possible sponsors axing their deals with the Suns if Sarver is not terminated as Governor of the team.

For the last half of his NBA career, James, entering his 20^th NBA season with the Lakers this fall has been a public advocate for social change from speaking out against gun violence against minorities to the importance of preserving the right to vote and how important it is to vote, especially amongst minorities.

In his presser on Wednesday, Commissioner Silver spoke about the concerns he fielded from NBA’s player base, which is close to 75 percent African American. He described those conversations with the NBA players as “disheartening” because we continue to have to deal with certain individuals thinking that just because they are in a position of authority, they have the right to say, speak, and conduct themselves in any kind of matter they choose not understanding the people who they demean, disrespect, belittle are also human beings just like that person doing the harmful act.

“I’ve talked to some players. Those have been private conversations. I’ll leave it for the players to speak directly how they feel,” Silver said.

He added, “Look, I think it’s no secret this is a league where roughly 80 percent of our players are Black. More than half our coaches are Black. I will say that none of them maybe are as shocked as I am, living their lives, that I don’t think they’re reading this saying, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this happens.”

For the fourth time in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s tenure as NBA Commissioner he is having to deal with inappropriate behavior from an NBA executive. It occurred with the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, and now the Phoenix Suns.

In all three instances, there was swift action taken. For the Clippers after audio was revealed of then Governor Donald Sterling’s inexcusable comments back in 2014 led to him getting the axe and the team was bought by their current Governor Steve Ballmer August 12, 2014 for reportedly $2 billion. In 2018, the Dallas Mavericks front office got cleaned up following a dozen current and former employees characterized the organization of a hostile work environment, that ranged from sexual harassment to domestic violence. In the wake of that scandal, Mavericks Governor Mark Cuban with the hiring of former AT&T Executive Cynthia Marshall as the new Chief Executive Officer. And in December 2021, the Trail Blazers fired General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey after an investigation by the law firm O’Melvey & Myers conducted an independent investigation and found the then 56-year-old Olshey created a hostile work environment where there were many instances of bullying and intimidation, according to a report from Yahoo! Sports. Olshey was replaced by current interim GM Joe Cronin and Executive Vice President Dewayne Haskins took over as the new President of Basketball Operations.

Those three changes did not happen overnight though. And it did not happen at the start of an NBA season, which is where we find ourselves with the Suns as 2022-23 NBA campaign is about to kick-off with Media Day on Sept. 26.

This situation with Robert Sarver being suspended for one-year and fined $10 million dollars for inappropriate conduct is something that will be asked at all 30 teams Media Days. There will be a lot of feelings and emotions about it for sure, especially by the Suns.

What happens from here is anybody’s guess. One thing is for sure from what Tremaglio said to Andrews, a point will be made very clear by any player that is asked that Mr. Sarver’s punishment for his rude and uncalled for behavior is not enough.

“We are all gearing up for a season. We have Media Day coming up. We have Training Camp about to start and our players are really focused on playing the game of basketball and engaging with our fans. And so, to some extent there has not been any discussion around that,” Tremaglio said.

“But I think it’s very clear is that our players are incredibly upset about what has occurred. Their hearts go out to the family’s and all the individuals who’ve actually had to endure this [Sarver’s behavior] for such a long period of time. But at the same time, they [NBA players] recognize they have a job to do and they’re really excited about getting and moving forward with this season.

Information and quotations are courtesy of 7/29/2021 www.forbes.com story, “Sports Illustrated Report Lands Dallas Mavericks At The Center Of Another Sexual harassment Scandal,” by Doyle Rader; 12/3/2021 ESPN.com story, “Portland Trail Blazers Fire GM, President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey; 9/14/2022 3 p.m. “NBA Today” ESPN With Malika Andrews, Baxter Holmes, Ramona Shelburne, Richard Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, Brian Windhorst; 9/15/2022 3 p.m. “NBA Today” ESPN With Malika Andrews, Brian Windhorst, Richard Jefferson, Ros Gold-Onwude; 9/16/2022 3 p.m. “NBA Today” ESPN With Malika Andrews, Baxter Holmes, Kendrick Perkins, Zach Lowe; and  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Ballmer#Sports.   

J-Speaks: Lakers To Retire The Jersey Of Key Contributor To Their Titles In 2009 and 2010

When the Los Angeles Lakers tipoff the 2022-23 season next month, they will begin their quest for their 18^th NBA title in franchise history. While many in the media world think that dream is far fetched in what is anticipated to be a very stacked Western Conference, the Lakers feel they have as good a chance as anyone in the West to represent it in the 2023 Finals this spring. What will take place during their Mar. 7, 2023 tilt against one of the anticipated powerhouse squads in the West should serve as motivation in their quest for their first title since 2020.

On Mar. 7, 2023 when the Lakers host the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com, they will retire the No. 16 jersey of future Hall of Famer Pau Gasol, the team announced back in the middle of last month. Gasol, who averaged 17.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 52.2 percent from the field in 429 games over his six-plus season with the “Purple and Gold” earning three of his five career All-Star selections was a major contributor to the Lakers back-to-back titles in 2009 over the Orlando Magic 4-1 and in epic seven-game series win over the arch-rival Boston Celtics the next spring. He will be the 11^th person to have their jersey raised to the rafters of Lakers home arena, now Crypto.com Arena to never be worn again.

Lakers promoted their latest upcoming jersey retirement on their Twitter page @ Lakers in the afternoon Aug. 17 saying, “A Champion, legend, and forever part of the Lakers Family. 3/7/23-We raise Pau Gasol’s jersey into the rafters.”  

Gasol’s No. 16 will be the latest center to have their jersey immortalized by the 17-time NBA champion Lakers being placed alongside Hall of Fame centers in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (No. 33), Shaquille O’Neal (No. 34), and Wilt Chamberlin (No. 13) as well as fellow Laker Hall of Famers and perennial NBA champs in the late Kobe Bryant (No. 8 and No. 24), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (No. 32), Jerry West (No. 44), Elgin Baylor (No. 22), James Worthy (No. 42), Gail Goodrich (No. 25), and Jamaal Wilkes (No. 52).  

Gasol, who was drafted No. 3 overall by the Grizzlies from Spain in the 2001 NBA Draft was dealt to the Lakers on Feb. 1, 2008, along with a Second-Round draft pick for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, and the current head coach of the Temple University Owls Aaron Mckie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol (Pau’s younger brother), who played for the Lakers two seasons back and First Round picks in 2008 and 2010.

The 2002 Kia Rookie of the Year, the first non-American to win that honor in NBA history and All-Rookie First Team selection in 2001 teamed with the late Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant to guide the Lakers to three straight appearances in NBA Finals and as mentioned adding two more Larry O’Brien trophies to the Lakers’ trophy case.

The two-time All-NBA Third Team selection (2009 and 2010) in his time with the Lakers finished No. 9 in field goal percentage, rebounds, and block shots and 10^th in triple-doubles. until 2014 when he moved on to play for another historic franchise in the six-time NBA champion Chicago Bulls (2014-16), earning his fifth and sixth All-Star selections. He then moved on to join the five-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs (2016-19). Had a cup of coffee with the two-time NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks (three games in 2019).

Lakers To Have Their Jersey Retired In Fewest Years With Team
Wilt Chamberlin: 5 years, won one championship
Gail Goodrich: nine years, won one championship
Shaquille O’Neal: eight years, won three championships
Jamaal Wilkes: eight years, won three championships
Pau Gasol: seven years, won two championships

Gasol and Hall of Famers and NBA champions in the aforementioned Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan are the only four players in NBA history to register 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 3,500 assists, and 1,500 block shots. Gasol in his career totaled , 20,894 points, 11,305 rebounds, 3,925 assists, and 1,941 blocks in 1,226 games played in his 18-year NBA career.

In debating on whether Gasol earned the great privilege to have their jersey retired, former Ohio State linebacker and former NFL player now co-host of “The Rally” on Bally Sports Joshua Perry in response when asked by Russell Dorsey if Gasol should have his jersey retired by Lakers said there are a number of things that go into it.  

Among those factors are did you put your name into a high number of statistical categories? Were you able to change the makeup of said franchise you were a part of? Was there a direct shift into how things were going once you came on the scene and where it actually ended up? Were you a major contributor, an integral part to your team winning the highest honor in team sports?

“If a guy wasn’t a champion in an organization. If we didn’t take it all the way, I don’t think I can retire the number. I’m willing to overlook a lot of other factors that go into it,” Perry said. “But championship ball is all that really matters at the end of the day if you’re going to be one of the greats in my opinion to get your number retired.”  

The acquisition of Gasol looking back on it now was a game-changing move for the Lakers, which gave Bryant the closet formidable sidekick in the frontcourt since Shaquille O’Neal (1996-2004) as well as gave the Lakers a consistent scoring, rebounding, and rim protecting presence for six-and-a-half seasons.

A couple of years prior when Bryant was testing the waters of free agency, there was a hint that Bryant had interest in signing with the Bulls. He decided to remain with the Lakers signing a seven-year, $136.4 million contract after O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant.

Bryant went through a tough four-and-a-half following that missing the playoffs in 2005 and getting knocked out in the opening round of the Playoffs in 2006 and 2007. Back in 2004-05 season, where they Lakers finished 34-48, then former Lakers head coach and fellow Hall of Famer Phil Jackson wrote a book entitled “The Last Season: A Team In Search Of Its Soul” that detailed the Lakers tumultuous 2003-04 season. In the book, Jackson was very critical of Bryant, specifically calling him “un-coachable.” Jackson also detailed in his book the public rifts he head with then teammate in fellow Hall of Famer Karl Malone and Hall of Famer Ray Allen.

The next season had a Bryant at a crossroads in his basketball career. Even with those past differences when the Lakers were in pursuit in bringing back Jackson as head coach, Bryant endorsed the move by the Lakers front office and by all accounts the two worked well together the second go-around. The Lakers made it back to the Playoffs both in 2006 and 2007 but lost in the opening-round 4-3 and 4-1 respectably to the now Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash led Phoenix Suns.

In late May 2007, ESPN reported that Bryant stated he wanted to be traded from the Lakers if West did not return to the organization with full authority. Bryant later confirmed how he wanted West back with the Lakers but denied making any statement that he wanted to be traded if the Lakers did not honor his request. Three days later in a radio interview with Stephen A. Smith, now co-host of ESPN’s “First Take,” Bryant expressed his anger over a Lakers “insider” claiming he was responsible for O’Neal being traded from the team and publicly stated, “I want to be traded.” In another interview three hours later, Bryant stated after conversing with Coach Jackson, he backed off his trade request.

That turnabout was rewarded nine months later when as mentioned earlier when Lakers acquired Gasol and three straight Finals appearance followed that ended with back-to-back titles.

While he may have not been in the fold for the Lakers for a decade-plus, Pau Gasol was a major reason the Lakers returned to championship form. He was not only exceptional from an individual production standpoint but he was a major connector into how the Lakers got back to the NBA championship round and came through with titles in two of their three chances.

More than that, his acquisition and play contributed to Kobe Bryant finishing his career with the Lakers and helped to add two more titles to his career resume.

Gasol like Chamberlin, Goodrich, O’Neal, and Wilkes before him came to the Lakers and added to their championship legacy in their short period of time there.

“If you were in a place for only three to four years and you were a part of the DNA of why there was success in that place. I think that you can make a case that the number should be retired,” Perry said.

On Mar. 7, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers will raise the No. 16 jersey of future Hall of Famer Pau Gasol, who earned this honor with his play on both ends of the court in his seven seasons with the “Purple and Gold.” More than anything, his acquisition 14 years ago from the Memphis Grizzlies not only got the Lakers back to the top of the NBA mountain it kept what many considered one of the greatest players in franchise history in the fold in Kobe Bryant.

The only sad part is Bryant will not be on hand for this great moment as he, his middle daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant and seven other individuals were killed in a helicopter crash Jan. 26, 2020.

One thing can be said, when Gasol’s jersey retirement takes place, Bryant will be watching from up above with a big smile of gratitude and appreciation.

Information, statistics, and quotations are courtesy of 8/17/2022 www.latimes.com “Lakers To Retire Two-Time NBA Champion Pau Gasol’s No. 16 Jersey In March,” By Steve Henson; 8/17/2022 www.theathletic.com “Lakers To Retire Pau Gasol’s No. 16 Jersey In March;”
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gasolpa01.html; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Coming_up_short_(2004-2004);  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_Bryant#Back_on_top_(2007-2010);
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pau_Gasol; 
www.statmuse.com; and 8/18/2022 5:30 p.m. “The Rally” on Bally Sports Oklahoma With Brooke Fletcher, Russell Dorsey, and Joshua Perry.