NBA commissioner Adam Silver has apologized to Phoenix Suns employees, who for far too long have endured the many acts of workplace misconduct under owner Robert Sarver.
Before the Suns’ home opener on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks, Silver spoke to employees of the organization for nearly an hour, repeatedly apologizing, according to ESPN.
“I really empathize with what many of you have been through,” Silver said. I apologize if you felt betrayed by the league. I take full responsibility.”
After a nearly ten-month investigation, the NBA discovered that Sarver had been responsible for unfair conduct toward some women in the organization, in addition to making several sexual comments. He also allegedly used the discriminatory word beginning with the letter “N” against black men on several occasions, even though employees told him not to.
“Had I ever heard that Robert could be a difficult man to work with? Of course, added Silver. But that is something very different from conduct that is deemed to be discriminatory.
“Without a doubt, this is the failure of an all-encompassing system, of a 30-team league.”
After the report was filed in September, Sarver received a one-year suspension and a $10 million fine. Nearly a week later, the 60-year-old announced he would sell the Suns, along with the Phoenix Mercury women’s basketball team, which he also owned.
