Far from the usual lightness of the exercise, the “Media Day” of the Suns was marked by gloom on Monday in Phoenix, in the heavy context of the case of Robert Sarver, future ex-owner accused of racist, misogynistic and sexist behavior.
It was time for gravity in Arizona, five days later Sarver’s decision to sell its shares to better leave a ship where he has become undesirable, his departure having been demanded by many voices deeming his one-year suspension by the NBA insufficient.
“I was in disbelief”said coach Monty Williams, about the conclusions of the independent commission of inquiry, commissioned by the NBA, after that carried out by the sports media giant ESPN, supported by the testimonies of more than 70 employees of the franchise.
Devin Booker: ‘He’s not the Robert I know’
In particular, it established that the leader had repeatedly uttered the insult “nigger” (negro), an ultra-taboo term in the United States. “This word, I never liked it. Especially when I was younger and learned what that word meant. I learned how degrading he was to humanity, not just black people”Williams said.
James Jones, general manager of the team, who like Williams, extended his contract in the off-season, spoke of “a state of shock” within the club. “You don’t want that in your house”he said.
“It was hard, for everyone, to learn this, all these things that people have to endure in their workplace”abounded the star Chris Paul.
For some, disappointment, anger mixed with amazement, as they discovered an unknown facet of Sarver. “It’s hard because it’s not the Robert I know, it’s not the Robert who welcomed me to Phoenix with open arms”said Devin Booker, who is entering his eighth season and has extended his contract until 2028, for 224 million dollars.
Phoenix, who finished first last regular season, was then eliminated in the Western Conference semi-finals of the play-offs by Dallas. A failure in view of his title ambitions, after reaching the final in 2021.
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“We have all grown, learned and had the chance to see different perspectives for sure”said Williams about it. “And it was just one of those summers you’ll never forget”.
