Robert Sarver, the owner of the Phoenix Suns, is reportedly under fire over allegations of racism, sexism and sexual harassment.
Things are about to get ugly in Phoenix.
On Friday, NBA insider Jordan Schultz dropped word of serious allegations against Suns owner Robert Sarver.
“The NBA is preparing for a massive story accusing #Suns owner Robert Sarver of racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents, sources say,” Shultz tweeted. “With enough evidence to support such claims, there’s a real chance the league would forcibly remove Sarver.”
Said report has not dropped yet, but the contents of it would certainly have to be major if it could threaten Sarver’s ownership of the team.
Robert Sarver could be removed as Suns owner after allegations
The idea of removing an owner has recent precedence in the NBA. Clippers owner Donald Sterling was banned from the league after he was caught on tape making racist comments. That team was eventually sold for $2 billion to Steve Ballmer.
The Suns are nearly a multi-billion-dollar franchise, according to beat writer Evan Sidery. Saver purchased the team in 2004 for $401 million and Forbes now values them at $1.8 billion.
These are obviously the very early stages of this discussion. The allegations against Sarver aren’t public or even confirmed as real. If they do come down, the controversy could shake up the NBA.
In the meantime, the team will have to navigate these uncertain waters as Chris Paul and company look towards another deep playoff run.
Phoenix is in Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Friday night.