Suns team owner Robert Sarver disagrees with 'some of the particulars' in NBA investigation

Phoenix Suns team owner Robert Sarver accepts the hefty fine and suspension, but doesn't agree with all the results of the 10-month NBA investigation.

"Good leadership requires accountability," Sarver said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon by the Suns.

MORE: Somers: After damning report, why does Sarver still own Suns, Mercury?

"For the Suns and Mercury organizations, that begins with me.  While I disagree with some of the particulars of the NBA’s report, I would like to apologize for my words and actions that offended our employees. I take full responsibility for what I have done. I am sorry for causing this pain, and these errors in judgment are not consistent with my personal philosophy or my values."

Sarver, majority owner of the Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, received a year suspension from any activities for both teams and fined $10 million for ''workplace misconduct and organizational deficiencies'' found during an NBA investigation.

The $10 million is the maximum fine by the NBA constitution & by-laws.

The league will donate those funds to "organizations that are committed to addressing race and gender-based issues in and outside the workplace."

The NBA announced Tuesday morning the findings of the investigation conducted by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. David Anders and Sarah Eddy, partners at the firm, were involved of the investigation team as well.

MORE: Here's what Robert Sarver told the Republic after allegations against him surfaced

"I accept the consequences of the NBA’s decision," Sarver continued in the statement.  "This moment is an opportunity for me to demonstrate a capacity to learn and grow as we continue to build a working culture where every employee feels comfortable and valued."

The NBA launched an investigation after an ESPN report last November of allegations of racism and misogyny against Sarver, claiming he created a "toxic" work environment within the Suns' organization during his 17-year run as owner.

The investigation concluded that Sarver "on at least five occasions during his tenure with the Suns/Mercury organization, repeated the N-word when recounting the statements of others.."

Back in November, Sarver said in an exclusive interview with The Republic, he never used the N-word.

"Let me be perfectly clear: I have never called anyone or any group of people the N-word, or referred to anyone or any group of people by the N-word," Sarver said back in November. "Any accusation that I have is 100 percent false. That word isn’t in my vocabulary, and my family and friends who have known me for decades will confirm that I don’t use that kind of language, or any kind of racist language. I am devastated that someone would make that up as a way to hurt me and the Suns."

The investigation also concluded Sarver exhibited "inequitable conduct toward female employees" in the workplace that included making several "sex-related comments."

Sarver made inappropriate comments "about the physical appearance of female employees and other women" and also "engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees."

In addition, Sarver engaged in what essentially can be called bullying as he yelled and cursed at employees.

"He recognizes that at times during his 18 years of ownership, his conduct did not reflect his, or the Suns’ values, and was inconsistent with the advancements the management team has taken with Robert’s full support," said Suns Legacy Partners, LLC in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.

"We are proud of the progress we’ve already made, and moving forward, our organization will continue to build a best-in-class workplace."

The Suns will open the 2021-22 season Oct. 19 against the Dallas Mavericks at Footprint Center. As part of his suspension, Sarver will not be able to attend any NBA or WNBA games, events or activities, practices or business affairs.

Sarver can't be present at any NBA or WNBA team facility that includes offices, arenas or practice facilities. He also won't be able to represent the Suns or Mercury in any public or private capacity, be involved with their business or basketball operations, governance, or activities of either the NBA or WNBA.

In addition, the Suns owner can't attend or participate in NBA meetings with the league's Board of Governors or their associated committees.

"“The statements and conduct described in the findings of the independent investigation are troubling and disappointing,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a news release. “We believe the outcome is the right one, taking into account all the facts, circumstances and context brought to light by the comprehensive investigation of this 18-year period and our commitment to upholding proper standards in NBA workplaces.

“I am hopeful that the NBA community will use this opportunity to reflect on what this great game means to people everywhere and the values of equality, respect and inclusion that it strives to represent. Regardless of position, power or intent, we all need to recognize the corrosive and hurtful impact of racially insensitive and demeaning language and behavior. On behalf of the entire NBA, I apologize to all of those impacted by the misconduct outlined in the investigators’ report. We must do better.”

Sarver concluded his statement by expressing his appreciation to the Suns and Mercury, who lost in the first round of the 2022 WNBA playoffs.

"I am extraordinarily proud of the Suns and Mercury organizations and the record we have built concerning diversity, inclusion, and giving back to the community," he said in the statement. "It means a great deal to me that our dedicated and hardworking employees have made Phoenix a basketball destination – for both players and fans."

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sarver disagrees with 'some of the particulars' in NBA investigation