The NBA today issued the following statement:<\/p>\n
Following the publication of a November 4, 2021,\u00a0ESPN.com\u00a0<\/em>article regarding statements and conduct of Robert Sarver, Managing Partner of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA\u2019s Phoenix Mercury, and issues relating to the teams\u2019 workplace, the NBA commissioned an independent investigation by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.\u00a0 David Anders and Sarah Eddy, partners at the firm, led the investigation.<\/p>\n The report of the independent investigation, which was issued publicly today, was based on information gathered from interviews with 320 individuals, including current and former employees who worked for the teams during Mr. Sarver\u2019s 18-year tenure as Managing Partner, Mr. Sarver, and other relevant individuals; and from the evaluation of more than 80,000 documents and other materials, including emails, text messages and videos.\u00a0 Mr. Sarver and the Suns\/Mercury organization cooperated fully with the investigative process.<\/p>\n As stated in the report, the independent investigation found that Mr. Sarver \u201cengaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and League rules and policies.\u00a0 This conduct included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying.\u201d<\/p>\n Among the key findings:<\/p>\n \u2022 Mr. Sarver, on at least five occasions during his tenure with the Suns\/Mercury organization, repeated the N-word when recounting the statements of others.<\/p>\n \u2022 Mr. Sarver engaged in instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees, made many sex-related comments in the workplace, made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women, and on several occasions engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees.<\/p>\n \u2022 Mr. Sarver engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them.<\/p>\n As reflected in the report, Mr. Sarver informed the investigators of his personal and professional efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, including hiring practices at the Suns\/Mercury organization and contributions to social and racial justice causes.\u00a0 The investigation made no finding that Mr. Sarver\u2019s workplace misconduct was motivated by racial or gender-based animus.<\/p>\n The independent investigation also substantiated instances of workplace misconduct engaged in by Suns employees that were not directly related to Mr. Sarver and a lack of proper organizational policies and controls.\u00a0 Among other things, the investigation found instances of racial insensitivity, mistreatment of female employees, inappropriate commentary related to sex or sexual orientation, and disrespectful communications.\u00a0 The investigation also concluded that the Suns\u2019 Human Resources function was historically ineffective and not a trusted resource for employees who were subjected to acts of improper workplace conduct.<\/p>\n As noted in the report, most of the Suns employees who engaged in these acts of misconduct over the 18-year period of investigation are no longer employed by the organization.\u00a0 In addition, in July 2021, the organization hired a new head of Human Resources who, along with other executives, has since implemented a series of positive workplace changes.\u00a0 These include an updated respect in the workplace policy, the creation of a confidential hotline for reports of misconduct, an investigation response team for conducting internal investigations, additional workplace training on key policies, and a new parental leave policy.<\/p>\n Based on the findings of the independent investigation, including those related to Mr. Sarver\u2019s workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies, the NBA today has taken the following actions:<\/p>\n \u2022 Mr. Sarver is suspended from the Suns\/Mercury organization for a period of one year, during which time he will not:<\/p>\n \u2022 Mr. Sarver must, during his suspension, complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.<\/p>\n \u2022 Mr. Sarver is fined $10 million, the maximum permitted by the NBA Constitution & By-Laws.\u00a0 The NBA will donate these funds to organizations that are committed to addressing race and gender-based issues in and outside the workplace.<\/p>\n \u2022 Additionally, the Suns\/Mercury organization must fulfill a series of requirements for workplace improvements set forth and monitored by the NBA.\u00a0 These requirements, among other things, include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Retaining an outside firm to evaluate and make recommendations with respect to workplace training programs, policies and procedures, and hiring and compensation practices \u2014 with a focus on fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.<\/p>\n \u2022 Conducting regular and anonymous workplace culture surveys and responding to survey results with specific action plans.<\/p>\n \u2022 Immediately reporting to the league any instances or allegations of significant misconduct by any employee.<\/p>\n \u2022 For a period of three years, providing the league with regular reports related to steps taken by the organization to address these requirements.<\/p>\n \u2022 Following league direction for remediation\/improvement of workplace issues if\/as they arise.<\/p>\n \u201cThe statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing,\u201d said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.\u00a0 \u201cWe 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 and our commitment to upholding proper standards in NBA workplaces.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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. \u00a0Regardless of position, power or intent, we all need to recognize the corrosive and hurtful impact of racially insensitive and demeaning language and behavior.\u00a0 On behalf of the entire NBA, I apologize to all of those impacted by the misconduct outlined in the investigators\u2019 report.\u00a0 We must do better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n
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