
Phoenix Suns majority owner Robert Sarver was suspended from the team for one year after an investigation conducted by the league found that he engaged in inappropriate behavior in the workplace, including the use of racial slurs.
The NBA released a report on its investigation on Tuesday and suspended Sarver from all franchise-related activities for one year, as well fined him $10 million.
The fine is currently the maximum allowed NBA.
Sarver is also facing mounting heat from aside from league executives.
After the investigation findings were published, PayPal, a team sponsor, released a statement announcing it would end its deal with the franchise if Sarver returns after his suspension is over.
In addition, ESPN reported that the team’s Vice Chairman Jahm Najafi wrote a letter the Suns employees calling for Sarver’s resignation. Najafi owns the second-largest stake in the team. Sarver own’s a 35% stake.
On Thursday, Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul said on Twitter that he didn’t believe the sanctions against Sarver were enough after the release of the report.
“I am of the view that the sanctions fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behavior,” wrote Paul.
“I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read. This conduct especially towards women is unacceptable and must never be repeated.”
On Wednesday, LeBron James also expressed his disappointment with the league’s penalty against Sarver.
“I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership. But this isn’t right. There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any work place. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this aint it,” James wrote on Twitter.
More about Sarver’s suspension and workplace allegations can be found here.