On the heels of Tuesday’s year-long suspension and $10 million fine earned by Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Robert Sarver, Adam Silver gave his first public comments about the saga that stretched over the last year and culminated in the ruling.
Sarver was suspended for fostering a culture of intimidation, sexual harassment, and racial insensitivity within the organizations. Silver spoke today at a press conference about the punishment given out.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stands by punishment for Suns owner Robert Sarver: "The conduct is indefensible but I feel like we dealt with it in a fair manner."
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) September 14, 2022
“The conduct is indefensible but I feel like we dealt with it in a fair manner,” said Silver.
Throughout the basketball world, there was much eye rolling and indignation about Silver’s comments and Sarver’s punishment overall.
https://twitter.com/molly_knight/status/1570132876674596864?s=20&t=APtpwFz842114OOl_7JdAQ
“The conduct is indefensible and we still defended it.” https://t.co/MOibpswuYx
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) September 14, 2022
If the conduct is so indefensible, why are we not having a sell off discussion? https://t.co/s5jdgf5F8R
— Benjamin Bornstein (@THE_BOOMSTEIN) September 14, 2022
fair to who, Adam?
(yes I know the answer) https://t.co/I4FrzYrtpU
— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) September 14, 2022
The big question asked by many fans and media members alike was why did Sarver just get a suspension while previous Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was forced into selling the team. Many were implying that whether or not an owner’s actions affect the league’s bottom line will determine whether or not they’re forced out of the league.
I think if Adam Silver could, he would have booted Sarver out. But he doesn’t have that power and there wasn’t the smoking gun (e.g., audio, like with Donald Sterling) to pressure other owners to act. So here we are.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) September 14, 2022
Sarver’s reported regular use of the N-word was a big sticking point in the investigation. In a statement, the NAACP said that the punishment against Sarver didn’t go far enough.
Regardless of the reactions, Sarver will be unable to represent the Suns or Mercury in any way for one year, and he will not appeal the decision.
