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Suns team owner Robert Sarver responds to Arizona Republic questions about allegations

Duane Rankin
Arizona Republic
Robert Sarver, majority owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury franchises, was accused of multiple incidents of racist and sexist behavior in an ESPN story published on Thursday about his 17-year tenure with the teams.

The NBA announced later that day it would initiate an investigation into the claims.

After the report was published, Sarver issued a statement that read in part that he was "shocked by the false reporting" in the article and that he would "welcome an impartial NBA investigation."

In an exclusive interview with The Arizona Republic conducted via email, Sarver addressed the ESPN report, the upcoming NBA investigation, his alleged use of the N-word and sexually inappropriate comments, comparisons to former Los Angeles Clippers team owner Donald Sterling, who was forced to sell his franchise over similar allegations, and whether Sarver plans to take legal action against ESPN.

1. What is your overall reaction to the entire ESPN story? Upset? Angry?

"More than anything, I’m frustrated and sad. I’ve taken responsibility for mistakes I’ve made, but most of the claims from nameless 'sources' are false or too vague to even sensibly address. Those who have known me for decades know I don’t use the language attributed to me, and they have gone on record to say that the accusations of racism and sexism are false. It is just not who I am, and it is directly contrary to the values at the center of the Suns organization. I am devastated that these false attacks are what our fans will associate with this organization that I love.

"I don’t know how to prove I didn’t do something. Friends and colleagues, white and Black, who attest they’ve known me for 10 and 20 years and have never heard me use language like this or behave in a racist or sexist way are told their own experiences with me aren’t relevant. There was only one named source in the entire piece to stand behind these accusations, former coach Earl Watson. I understand that he is frustrated with me because we terminated him.

"Unfortunately, Mr. Watson created an unprofessional and toxic environment during his tenure. Our current general manager (James Jone) is on the record confirming that Mr. Watson behaved offensively and in a way that does not reflect our values. Because of this, when the Suns general manager at the time made the decision to terminate Mr. Watson, he had my full support. Mr. Watson clearly has an axe to grind, and he’s spreading baseless rumors to assassinate my character. How do you vindicate yourself in a situation like that?"

2. The NBA is launching an investigation. Are you afraid/worried you’re going to be forced to sell/lose the team. If so, why? If not, why not?

"It is almost impossible to prove a negative. That’s why we completely welcome the league’s investigation. My only wish is we could get to the bottom of this right now and dispel all of these lies that are being told about me and the Suns. But I understand that the investigation will take time. I’m confident we will be vindicated when all is said and done."

3. These allegations make you appear to be someone who not only uses the N-word, but is comfortable with doing so. Considering most of your team consists of mostly African-American players, has a Black GM and head coach, large minority fan base and a large majority population in support of the team and players, what is your message to the fan base regarding all of this?

"Let me be perfectly clear: I have never called anyone or any group of people the N-word, or referred to anyone or any group of people by the N-word. Any accusation that I have is 100 percent false. That word isn’t in my vocabulary, and my family and friends who have known me for decades will confirm that I don’t use that kind of language, or any kind of racist language. I am devastated that someone would make that up as a way to hurt me and the Suns. I am proud that the Suns have been at the forefront of many social justice and civil rights causes during my tenure, and I have tried do everything I can to fight against racism and advocate for this community."

4. This situation is drawing comparisons to Donald Sterling. Fair or unfair and why or why not?

"It’s hard to even dignify those comparisons with a response. There is no comparison at all. I have a 40-year-long track record of advocating for inclusion in hiring and promoting minorities and women, and I have devoted my time and resources to fighting for equality and supporting underserved communities. I’m proud of the Suns organization’s record on these issues. Up until this ESPN story, there has never been any claim or mention of me being racist or sexist. It’s just not who I am. My long-time business partners, co-workers, friends, and family will tell you the same."

5. Have you spoken to the Suns and Mercury players, coaches and staff and what has been your message to them in regards to the allegations?

"I have spoken to some members of both teams. They know this is not who I am. I’m sorry that they have to deal with the blowback from the false reporting. I’ve been overwhelmed with how many people, including former and current players and coaches, have reached out — publicly and privately — to offer encouraging words of support."

6. Are you planning to sue ESPN?

"I’m currently evaluating my options, and I have retained defamation counsel. I have not ruled out any course of action. My immediate concern is cooperating with the NBA’s investigation, which I am confident will clear my name and the Suns organization."