Suns Owner Fined & Suspended For Derogatory Language
Robert Saver suspended for one year and fined $10 million by the NBA
By JT Scott, Staff Writer
On Sept. 13, Phoenix Suns majority owner Robert Saver was accused of using homophobic, misogynistic and racist language over the course of his 17 years as owner.
The NBA announced on social media it would punish Saver by suspending him from operations for a calendar year and fining him $10 million for his actions.
An investigation was conducted after news broke that former Assistant Coach Earl Watson claimed Saver repeatedly used the N-word when referring to Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green in 2016.
According to ESPN, Watson said that Saver entered the coaches’ locker room at Talking Stick Resort Arena and said, “You know, why does Draymond Green get to run up the court and say [N-word]”.
According to Watson, Saver repeated the derogatory term several times.
Watson responded to Saver, saying he was not allowed to say that word because he was white. Saver responded by asking, “Why? Draymond Green says [N-Word]”. This caused a fiery response from Watson, once again telling Saver he could not say the word.
Since this news broke in 2016, the NBA has interviewed over 100 former and current Suns employees. More than 70 employees described a toxic and sometimes hostile work environment under the owner, with some telling interviewers he used racially insensitive language repeatedly in the office.
“The level of misogyny and racism is beyond the pale,” one Suns co-owner said about Saver. “It’s embarrassing.”
Since the decision to fine and suspend Savers, many NBA players have expressed their opinions on social media.
“Like many others, I reviewed the report. I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read,” Chis Paul said on Twitter. “This conduct, especially towards women, is unacceptable and must never be repeated.”
Many other players have expressed their opinions on the decision, and the consensus is that the punishment may not be enough, as these kinds of actions can no longer exist in the NBA.
iPulse wanted to get student opinions on the topic, so Lynn University students were asked for their thoughts.
“After hearing the news, I totally agree with the NBA decision,” said Kyle Verb, a junior. “Although I agree with the decision, I think it may not be enough punishment for the things that he did.”
Other students like Shane Striebel were aware of Saver’s previous actions.
“I heard about the Earl Watson story when it came out,” said Striebel, a sophomore. “I was surprised he wasn’t punished for that when the news broke in 2016. I can’t imagine what he’s said since then.”
The NBA has yet to respond to claims that the punishment was not severe enough. Players and media personnel continue to voice their opinions and vocalize their desire for a safe and equal workspace within the NBA and society at large.
