{"id":1644613,"date":"2022-09-16T22:28:47","date_gmt":"2022-09-17T02:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1644613"},"modified":"2022-09-16T22:31:16","modified_gmt":"2022-09-17T02:31:16","slug":"naacp-blasts-nbas-punishment-of-suns-owner-robert-sarver-as-shameful-claims-punishment-underscores-how-prevalent-racism-still-is-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/naacp-blasts-nbas-punishment-of-suns-owner-robert-sarver-as-shameful-claims-punishment-underscores-how-prevalent-racism-still-is-today\/","title":{"rendered":"NAACP Blasts NBA\u2019s Punishment of Suns Owner Robert Sarver as \u201cShameful,\u201d Claims Punishment \u201cUnderscores How Prevalent Racism Still Is Today\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">40<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fnaacp-blasts-nbas-punishment-of-suns-owner-robert-sarver-as-shameful-claims-punishment-underscores-how-prevalent-racism-still-is-today%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=1644613&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The NAACP and its President Derrick Johnson called the NBA\u2019s punishment of Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver \u201cshameful.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4922\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4922\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4922\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Robert Sarver via CNBC Television YouTube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NBAPR\/status\/1569717805183897600\/photo\/2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The NBA announced<\/a> they were suspending Sarver for an entire year from both the Suns and the WNBA\u2019s Phoenix Mercury for an entire year, fined him $10 million and are requiring him to \u201ccomplete a training program focused on respect and appropriate conduct in the workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The punishment came after an independent investigation conducted by the law firm of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen &#038; Katz and led by the firm\u2019s partners David Anders and Sarah Eddy determined that over an 18-year period Sarver \u201crepeated the N-word when recounting the statements of others\u201d on at least five occasions.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4920\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4920\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1256\" height=\"658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver2.png 1256w, https:\/\/www.boundingintosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver2-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver2-768x402-1.png 768w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver2-750x393-1.png 750w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver2-1200x629-1.png 1200w\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4920\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Robert Sarver via Phoenix Suns YouTube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"title\"><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boundingintosports.com\/2022\/09\/nba-suspends-and-fines-phoenix-suns-owner-robert-sarver-for-quoting-individuals-inequitable-conduct-toward-female-employees-and-demeaning-and-harsh-treatment-of-employees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NBA Suspends And Fines Phoenix Suns Owner Robert Sarver For Quoting Individuals, \u201cInequitable Conduct Toward Female Employees,\u201d And Demeaning And Harsh Treatment Of Employees<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It also found that he \u201cengaged in instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees, made many sex-related comments in the workplace, made inappropriate comments about the physical appearance of female employees and other women, and on several occasions engaged in inappropriate physical conduct toward male employees.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Finally, it also reported that he \u201cengaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4984\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4984\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4984\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1341\" height=\"706\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson1.png 1341w, https:\/\/www.boundingintosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson1-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson1-768x404-1.png 768w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson1-750x395-1.png 750w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson1-1200x632-1.png 1200w\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4984\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Derrick Johnson via Breakfast Club Power 105.1 FM YouTube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>NAACP President Derrick Johnson released a statement in reaction to the NBA\u2019s punishment.<\/p>\n<p>He began, \u201cThe NBA\u2019s response is shameful. Fining a Billionaire $10M is nothing but a speeding ticket.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey have failed to adequately address this man\u2019s history of racism, sexism, and his years-long nourishment of a toxic culture,\u201d Johnson continued. \u201cThe fact that the NBA would hand down this so-called \u201cpunishment\u201d in the same year we lost a legend like Bill Russell, who fought racism his entire life, only underscores how prevalant (sp?) racism still is today.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Johnson concluded, \u201cThe punishment doesn\u2019t fit the crime whatsoever, and the NBA must do better than this. This is far from accountability.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4982\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4982\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4982\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1102\" height=\"485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson.png 1102w, https:\/\/www.boundingintosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson-300x132.png 300w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson-768x338-1.png 768w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Derrick-Johnson-750x330-1.png 750w\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4982\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Derrick Johnson via MSNBC YouTube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"title\"><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boundingintosports.com\/2022\/08\/kevin-durant-rumors-and-reports-go-nowhere-nets-gm-says-durant-will-stay-to-bring-a-championship-to-brooklyn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kevin Durant Rumors And Reports Go Nowhere, Nets GM Says Durant Will Stay To Bring A Championship To Brooklyn<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While the independent investigation concluded that \u201cSarver said the N-word at least five times in repeating or purporting to repeat what a black person said\u2014four of those after being told by both black and white subordinates that he should not use the word, even in repetition of another,\u201d it also noted, \u201cthe investigation makes no finding that Sarver used this racially insensitive language with the intent to demean or denigrate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The report also included a letter from Thomas A. Clare on behalf of Sarver rejecting the allegations of racism. The letter states, \u201cThe ESPN story contains false and defamatory claims that Mr. Sarver and the Phoenix Suns promoted a workplace culture of racism, misogyny, and sexual harassment. Those claims are demonstrably false \u2013 as we have previously discussed \u2013 and nothing could be further from the truth.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4917\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4917\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4917\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.boundingintosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver-768x410-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver-480x256-1.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver-600x320-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver-750x401-1.jpg 750w\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4917\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Robert Sarver via ABC15 Arizona YouTube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It goes on to tout Sarver\u2019s \u201ccommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion\u201d even noting that it \u201cis part of his DNA.\u201d To that end the letter notes, \u201cDuring Mr. Sarver\u2019s tenure as owner of the Phoenix Suns, more than half of head coaches and general managers have been people of color. No other team in the NBA employs more people of color in basketball operations (55%) than the Phoenix Suns organization.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The letter further states, \u201cUnder Mr. Sarver\u2019s leadership, both the Suns and Mercury organizations have been the standard bearer for hiring and promoting talented and driven minority, LGBTQ, and women executives. Mr. Sarver also hired the first woman color commentator in the NBA.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The letter goes on to read, \u201cIn 2020, Mr. Sarver made the following remarks after being asked whether he supported social justice efforts from NBA and WNBA players following the shooting of George Floyd and other instances of police brutality targeting black men: \u2018\u201cWhile I can\u2019t relate to what our Black players are feeling and experiencing today, I sympathize with them, listen to them, and support them. I remain personally ready, willing and able to work side by side with our Suns, Mercury and other WNBA and NBA players and coaches to bring about criminal justice reform.<br \/>We have done it before locally, fighting discriminatory legislation in our state and unfair sheriffing in our county, specifically advocating to defeat SB-1070 that legalized racial profiling in 2010. Together we can engage again to bring about positive change toward racial equality.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4919\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4919\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4919\" src=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1270\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver1.png 1270w, https:\/\/www.boundingintosports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver1-300x155.png 300w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver1-768x396-1.png 768w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver1-750x387-1.png 750w, https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Robert-Sarver1-1200x619-1.png 1200w\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4919\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Robert Sarver via Phoenix Suns YouTube<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>What do you make of Johnson\u2019s comments regarding the NBA\u2019s punishment of Sarver?<\/p>\n<p><strong>NEXT: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boundingintosports.com\/2022\/09\/nba-champion-stephen-curry-says-president-donald-trump-has-a-tone-of-divisiveness-that-doesnt-have-a-place-in-our-country\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NBA Champion Stephen Curry Says President Donald Trump \u201cHas A Tone Of Divisiveness That Doesn\u2019t Have A Place In Our Country\u201d<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NAACP and its President Derrick Johnson called the NBA\u2019s punishment of Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver \u201cshameful.\u201d Robert Sarver via CNBC Television YouTube The NBA announced they were suspending<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1644615,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1644613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1644613","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1644613"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1644613\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1644615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1644613"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1644613"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1644613"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}