(Phoenix) Suns owner Robert Sarver has a controversial history over his 17 years as team owner, according to an ESPN report on Thursday.
ESPN says it has spoken to dozens of current and former employees on the team, including some who have detailed behavior that is perceived to be inappropriate. Most of the allegations come from anonymous sources, but a few come from people by name.
On October 22, the Suns called any allegation unfounded, saying club documents and eyewitness testimony contradict the accusations made.
On Thursday, Sarver said this in a statement:
“I would fully welcome an impartial investigation by the NBA, which might be the only way to clear me and also restore the reputation of an organization that I am so proud of. ”
The NBA has said that there will indeed be an investigation, entrusted to the firm Wachtell Lipton.
Earlier on Thursday, the NBA reported that in any way, including a confidential phone line, there were no complaints of misconduct from the Suns.
Among other things, the report goes on to say that Sarver circulated a photo of his wife in a Suns bikini to employees.
According to ESPN, more than a dozen employees said Sarver used to make inappropriate comments in meetings.
In the ESPN article, Sarver denies or disputes most of the allegations through his legal team.
Sarver has owned the Suns since 2004. The 59-year-old Phoenix businessman also owns the same-city Mercury in the WNBA.
The Suns have just had one of the most successful seasons in their history, reaching the NBA Finals with Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton among others. They lost in six games to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Suns made the final in 1976, 1993 and 2021, failing to triumph.