This could get really interesting if Sarver refuses to leave. Everyone with a notable voice in the NBA, even if they aren’t associated with the Phoenix Suns, have called for the resignation of Robert Sarver as the owner of the Phoenix Suns.
Well, if Sarver thought that he was going to be able to get away with just his one-year long suspension and $10M fine, he couldn’t have been any more mistaken. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, in and around the NBA has called out Sarver’s abhorrent actions and has demanded for his resignation.
Chris Paul, the most notable member of the Phoenix Suns, and LeBron James, the biggest name in the NBA since Michael Jordan, have openly announced that they want Sarver out of the NBA, while the executive leader of the NBPA, Tamika Tremaglio, also wants him banned for life.
She said to ESPN, “We do not want him to be in a position where he is managing or engaging with individuals who are engaging with our players or the players themselves. We are absolutely clear from the findings that are in the report that we do not want him to be in that position.”
Now, all of these calls for Sarver’s resignation are important and praiseworthy, but they won’t do a thing to push Sarver out of his ownership. A guy like Sarver only seeks one thing and one thing only…profit. The NBA and its 30 teams generated a new record of $10B last season.
Moreover, the Phoenix Suns franchise is currently valued at approximately $1.8B, making it the 18th most expensive NBA team.
Sarver isn’t walking away from profits like that unless he’s either “overthrown” (so to speak) or those profits dry up. And both of those things are coming to pass.
Earlier today, the Phoenix Suns minority owner, Jahm Najafi, said in a statement that “I cannot in good judgment sit back and allow our children and future generations of fans think that this behavior is tolerated because of wealth and privilege. Therefore, in accordance with my commitment to helping eradicate any form of racism, sexism and bias, as Vice Chairman of the Phoenix Suns, I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver. ”
Clearly, the very staff and leadership hierarchy of the Suns can’t stand Sarver and want him out. Can Sarver really go to work every day when his suspension is up when everyone around him hates him and wants him out?
Plus, PayPal, the Suns’ jersey sponsor, also came out today and said that if Sarver doesn’t leave, they will.
If more companies that sponsor the NBA start pulling out of their advertisement deals over this issue, Sarver will have no choice but to leave. Or else he’ll risk not only devaluing the league as a whole, but also his beloved Phoenix Suns.
And losing money on this team must be a horrific thought for a guy like him.
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Other Sources: (ESPN) (NBPA executive director wants the NBA to ban Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver for life (espn.com))
