NBA: Robert Sarver has started the process of SELLING the Phoenix Suns amid calls a lifetime ban

Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver announced that he has started the process to sell both franchises.

The move comes after Sarver was handed a one-year ban and $10 million fine from the NBA following a league investigation into allegations of racism, sexism and bullying.

The NBA revealed that Sarver used the N-word at least five times, among other violations, including using language and behavior that demeaned female employees, since his nearly two-decade tenure as owner of the Suns and WNBA’s Mercury.

In a statement released Wednesday, Sarver said: “Words I deeply regret now overshadow nearly two decades of building organizations that brought people together — and strengthened the Phoenix region — through the unifying power of men’s and women’s professional basketball.

“As a man of faith, I believe in reconciliation and the path to forgiveness. I expected the Commissioner’s one-year suspension to give me time to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams I and so many fans love.

“But in our current unforgiving climate, it’s become painfully clear that that’s no longer possible—that all the good I’ve done, or could do, doesn’t outweigh the things I’ve said in the past. For those reasons I start looking for buyers for the suns and Mercury.

“I don’t want to be a distraction to these two teams and the wonderful people who work so hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world. I want the best for these two organizations, the players, the employees, the fans, the community, my co-owners, the NBA and the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone.

In the meantime, I will continue to work to become a better person and continue to support the community in a meaningful way. Thank you for continuing to support the Suns and Mercury and embrace the power that sport has to bring us together.”

Although witnesses claimed to have heard Sarver use the racist slur, the investigation revealed that he either repeated the N-word or claimed to do so. The NBA did not find Sarver using the term “with the intent to humiliate or denigrate.”

The move comes after Sarver was handed a one-year ban and a $10 million fine from the NBA

In addition to saying the N-word “at least five times,” Sarver has also been accused of language and behavior degrading to female employees, including asking a pregnant employee if she couldn’t perform her duties after becoming a mother. The unidentified woman was told by a team manager to look for a new job and was eventually demoted.

Since the report was released, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has called for Sarver’s lifelong suspension.

Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio told ESPN she spoke on behalf of NBA players, saying they “definitely advocate” a lifetime ban.

Meanwhile, the minority owner of Suns, Jahm Najafi, had called on Sarver to step down as owner and Phoenix’s shirt sponsor – PayPal – said they would not continue sponsoring the Suns if Sarver returned.

The penalty was knocked down by several NBA stars, including LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green, as some called for a life ban.

A member of Sarver’s own team, Phoenix Suns Guard Chris Paul, said he was “shocked and disappointed” by the report on Sarver’s conduct when he labeled NBA sanctions inadequate.

Paul took to Twitter to voice the sanctions, believing Sarver should have received a more severe sentence.

Paul slammed the sanctions, believing Sarver should have received a harsher sentence

He wrote: ‘Like many others, I have read the report. I was and am shocked and disappointed by what I read. This behavior, especially towards women, is unacceptable and should never be repeated.

“I believe that the sanctions failed to really address what we all agree was horrendous behaviour. My heart goes out to all those affected.’

Lakers superstar James dropped out of the NBA for their handling of the situation, insisting there is no place for “that kind of behavior” in the league.

He posted on Twitter: “Read the Sarver stories a few times now. I have to be honest… Our league definitely misunderstood this. I don’t need to explain why.

The Lakers superstar insisted there is no place for ‘that kind of behaviour’ in the league

‘You read the stories and decide for yourself. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there’s no place in this league for that kind of behavior.

“I love this competition and I have deep respect for our leadership. But this isn’t right.

“There is no place in any workplace for misogyny, sexism and racism. It doesn’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We uphold our competition as an example of our values ​​and this isn’t it.’

Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors star Green called on NBA owners to vote to determine whether Sarver should be removed as majority shareholder of Phoenix Suns, as he called his sentence “bulls***.”

NBA rules state that to remove an owner, he needs three-quarters of his board of directors to agree to start the process. Last week, Commissioner Adam Silver made it clear in a press conference that he cannot act solely on “the right to take away his team,” referring to Sarver.

More to follow.