NBA Investigates: Phoenix Suns Owner Accused Of Misogyny, Racism

PHOENIX, AZ — The NBA has launched an investigation into allegations made in an extensive ESPN news report published Thursday that accuses Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver of continual racism and sexism in his 17-year tenure.

The report was based on interviews with more than 70 current and former Suns employees, according to ESPN.

"Some told ESPN that he has used racially insensitive language repeatedly in the office," wrote Baxter Holmes, senior ESPN writer. "Employees recounted conduct they felt was inappropriate and misogynistic, including Sarver once passing around a picture of his wife in a bikini to employees and speaking about times his wife performed oral sex on him."

ESPN updated its report Thursday afternoon to include that the NBA had hired the Wachtell Lipton law firm to begin an investigation into the allegations in the report.

Sarver refuted the claims, along with Jason Rowley, president and CEO of the Suns, and general manager James Jones, ESPN reported.

"I continue to be shocked by the false reporting from Baxter Holmes," Sarver said in a statement. "...Mr. Holmes completely disregarded the truth here."

He added that, "there is so much that is inaccurate and misleading in this story," and said that he never used a specific racial slur mentioned in the article.

In the statement, Sarver said that he welcomes an investigation from the NBA as possibly the only way to, "clear my name and reputation."

Phoenix Suns Vice Chairman Jahm Najafi acknowledged the allegations against Sarver in statement Thursday morning.

"The conduct he is alleged to have committed has stunned and saddened me and and is unacceptable," Najafi said in the statement. "...My sincerest sympathy goes out to all whose lives and professions have been impacted."

Najafi said that he was personally committed to helping end racism and sexism, both of which he said were unacceptable.

While he added that the allegations fall under the jurisdiction of the league, Najafi said he offers his, "support to ensure there is full accountability."

>>>Read the full ESPN report here.