The NBA suspended Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million Tuesday after an independent investigation revealed multiple violations of workplace conduct standards.
The investigation found that Sarver repeated the N-word on at least five occasions. He also made sex-related comments and inappropriate appearance-related comments to and about female employees. He also mistreated employees by yelling and cursing at them.
The probe also found that the Suns’ Human Resources department was historically ineffective.
The league initiated the investigation in November after an article from ESPN alleged misconduct from Sarver. The NBA commissioned the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which reviewed more than 80,000 documents – including emails, text messages and videos – relating to Sarver’s conduct.
Sarver initially called the allegations “false,” “inaccurate” and “misleading” while adamantly denying the claims of his misconduct. In November, he said “I would entirely welcome an impartial NBA investigation which may prove our only outlet for clearing my name and the reputation of an organization of which I’m so very proud.”
The review of Sarver’s 18-year tenure with as managing partner of the teams corroborated the original reporting, according to the findings.
The $10 million fine is the maximum allowed by the NBA’s constitution and bylaws. Sarver will also be barred from all NBA and WNBA facilities, events, games, practices and business activities.
“The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We believe the outcome is the right one, taking into account all the facts, circumstances and context brought to light by the comprehensive investigation of this 18-year period.”
The Suns didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Sarver’s fine will be donated to organizations that work to address race and gender-based issues inside and outside workplaces. During his suspension, Sarver will complete a training program on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.
The findings echo revelations about former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was fined $2.5 million and banned for life after audio recordings caught him making racist comments. The ban forced Sterling to sell the team for $2 billion to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer after 33 years of ownership. Sterling’s lawsuit against the NBA was settled in 2016.