Editor’s note: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that he “fully” supports Sarver’s decision to sell the Sun and Mercury. According to multiple reports, Sarver eventually sold out due to mounting pressure from corporate sponsors if there was no change in leadership.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/ykBrsEoxc0
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) September 21, 2022
Robert Sarver announced he is “beginning the process” to sell his majority stake in the Suns and Mercury. Sarver is now serving a one-year suspension after the NBA concludes an investigation into Sarver’s “workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies.” During his 18-year tenure as owner of the Phoenix franchise.
“These words, which I deeply regret, overshadow nearly 20 years of building an organization that brought people together and strengthened the Phoenix area through the combined power of professional men’s and women’s basketball,” Sarver said. public statement. “As a person of faith, I believe in the path to atonement and forgiveness. I had hoped that the commissioner’s one-year suspension would give me and many fans time to focus on the team they love, make amends and remove personal controversies.
But in the current harsh environment, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible. This means that the good I have done, or still can do, is more important than what I have said in the past. For this reason, I am beginning the process of finding a buyer for the Suns and Mercury.
BREAKING NEWS: In a statement, Robert Sarver wrote in part:
“I am beginning the process of finding a buyer for the Suns and Mercury.”https://t.co/fMhWdDIM5M
— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) September 21, 2022
Sarver’s surprising announcement came after the NBA Players Association of LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green expressed varying degrees of disappointment over his punishment. Green specifically urged owners to vote for Sarver. James believed the league was “clearly in the wrong” and tweeted that CP3 “lacked sanctions.”
“I don’t want to be a distraction to these two teams and the great people who work hard to bring the joy and excitement of basketball to fans around the world,” Sarver said.
“I want what’s best for our players, employees, fans, community, fellow owners, the NBA and both organizations – the WNBA. This is the best course of action for everyone. In the meantime, I will continue to strive to be a better person and continue to support my community in meaningful ways. “Thank you for continuing to support the Suns and Mercury as we embrace the power that sports brings us together.”
There were always concerns that Sarver’s stubbornness and desire to portray himself as a victim would continue to make him an outcast in the NBA community, but his decision to sell the Suns and Mercury bailed out the league and his ownership colleagues. https://t.co/LD7o1OYhQ0
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2022
Jahm Nafaji, the Suns’ vice president, also came forward and called on Sarver to resign as owner of the Suns and Mercury. Commissioner Adam Silver said he had “no right” to take away Sarver’s ownership stake, despite precedent set by the NBA in 2015 when it banned Donald Sterling for racist comments he made.
Phoenix’s ownership may be even more attractive after back-to-back stellar seasons in which the Suns have posted the best record in the league. According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, league executives believe Phoenix could be a monster free agent destination with the right ownership due to its warm-weather climate.
