Suns owner Savor suspended for one year and fined $10 million after allegations of racism and misogyny are partially true

2022-09-14 15:37

Suns owner Savor suspended for one year and fined $10 million after allegations of racism and misogyny are partially true


Phoenix Suns (and Phoenix Mercury) owner Robert Savor has been suspended for a year by the NBA and fined $10 million after an investigation confirmed most of the allegations of racism and misogyny.


The NBA said the investigation was based on interviews with as many as 320 employees, including former employees, and related personnel, as well as an assessment of more than 80,000 documents, including emails, text messages and videos. The findings found that Robert Savor "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards," including:


— When commenting on others, say a word starting with the letter N at least 5 times;


— making numerous sexually-related comments in the workplace, making inappropriate comments about the appearance of female employees and other women, and repeatedly engaging in inappropriate physical contact with male employees;


— Belittling and treating employees harshly, including yelling and swearing at them.


The league then announced the penalty decision on Savor, who within the one-year penalty period will:


— not be present on any NBA or WNBA team facilities, including offices, arenas or practice facilities;


— not be able to attend or participate in any NBA or WNBA team-related activities, including games, practices or commercial activities;


— Not represent the Suns or Mercury in any public or private capacity;


— Not to be involved in any business or basketball operations related to the Suns or Mercury;


— Inability to participate in the business, management or other activities of an NBA or WNBA team, including attending or participating in any league board meeting;


— Complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate behavior in the workplace.


The Phoenix Suns responded to the NBA's penalty decision on Tuesday afternoon. As for Robert Savor , the Suns said in a statement: "Robert Savor also takes responsibility for his actions. He acknowledges that the preponderance of his actions in his 18 years at the helm of the team does not reflect his own or that of the team. Values, and also at odds with the progress the management team has made with Roberts' full support."


"We are proud of the progress we have made, and we will continue to build a first-class workplace in the future."


Savor himself said: "Good leaders need to be accountable for their actions. For the Sun and Mercury, this must start with me. Although I disagree with some of the details in the NBA report, I want to offend the staff for my past. Apologize for your words and deeds.”


"I take full responsibility for everything I do. I'm sorry to have caused you pain, these errors of judgment are contrary to my personal philosophy and values."


"I accept the NBA penalty decision. Now is my opportunity to demonstrate my ability to learn and grow as we continue to build a work culture where every employee feels comfortable and valued."


"I'm incredibly proud of Sun and Mercury and everything we've built around diversity, inclusion and giving back to our community. Our dedicated and hardworking employees make Phoenix a basketball mecca, which means a lot to me and to the players The same goes for the fans."


According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski's report, although the NBA said that Savor "fully cooperated with the investigation process", Savor also publicly apologized for his inappropriate behavior, but he learned that Savor Wall was reluctant to accept the final decision of the NBA.