Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was given a one-year suspension for his latest racist and misogynistic remarks reported Tim Bontemps for ESPN. Many believe Sarver to be left off the hook for his actions and want him to be punished further. This past Wednesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke on the matter, and when asked about furthering punishment to Sarver, he responded, “I don’t have the right to take away his team.”
“… Silver handed down the maximum fine allowed by the league. But he said the lack of racial animus was why the suspension for Sarver was just for a full calendar year and not more”I have a certain authority by virtue of this organization, and that’s what I exercise,” Silver said.
“I can’t take away his team. I don’t want to focus solely on the legal aspect, as there is a process in our league to do so. It’s a complex process, and after careful consideration, I determined that it wasn’t necessary in this case. However, the consequences for Mr. Sarver are significant.”
This sent many into a frenzy, due to what appears to be contradictory. In 2014, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, did something very similar with his offensive comments. However, he was shortly terminated and forced to give up his team immediately. In fact, it became such big news, at the time, that President Obama spoke on the matter to address the intolerable behavior, according to Vox.
Does the Punishment Fit the Crime for the Phoenix Suns Owner?
Sarver’s punishment was announced Tuesday that he would be receiving a $10 million fine and a one-year suspension due to his actions. The allegations date back to November of 2021. Several superstars of the NBA came forward to voice their opinions on the matter, as well. The two biggest stars were LeBron James and Chris Paul. Paul is the starting PG for the Phoenix Suns so this hurt him deeply to find out the saddening news.
“Like many others, I reviewed the report,” Paul stated. “I was and am horrified by what I read. Such behavior, particularly towards women, is unacceptable and should never happen again. I believe that the sanctions were insufficient in addressing what we can all agree is terrible conduct.
Suns guard Chris Paul commented on the NBA's suspension of team owner Robert Sarver.
The league announced Tuesday that Sarver would receive a $10 million fine and a one-year suspension for allegations of racism and misogyny during his 17 years as owner. https://t.co/jRzUZhA5v1 pic.twitter.com/rzzzdpoYG9
— ESPN (@espn) September 15, 2022
