Robert Sarver, the managing partner of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury franchises, is the focus of an expansive ESPN report that details accusations from former and current employees who say Sarver has used racist and sexist language for years.
ESPN said it interviewed more than 70 people for the story. The report cites examples of Sarver using the n-word and inappropriate language that in turn created a hostile work environment. Sarver has been the Suns’ and Mercury’s majority owner since 2004. ESPN interviewed former Suns head coach Earl Watson, who says Sarver repeatedly used the n-word in 2016 when debating whether Sarver, who is White, could use the word. “You know, why does (Golden State Warriors forward) Draymond Green get to run up the court and say (N-word),” Watson recalled Sarver telling him. Watson says he told the team owner that he couldn’t use that word. “Why?” Sarver reportedly replied, “Draymond Green says (N-word).” Sarver denied Watson’s account of the exchange. “This is absolutely untrue. I remember the game and topic clearly. I of course never used the word myself. During this conversation, I said ‘N-word’ without saying the full word. The word itself never crossed my lips,” Sarver said, according to ESPN. CNN has reached out to Watson for comment. Multiple unnamed employees told ESPN that Sarver made inappropriate, sexual comments during staff meetings.
