While Sarver’s fine is the largest in NBA history, notable names around the league have expressed their disappointment in him remaining as a team owner following his suspension, including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Suns point guard Chris Paul.
Echoing their sentiments is Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi, who today called for Sarver’s resignation.
“I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver,” Najafi said in a statement.
“Similar conduct by any CEO, executive director, president, teacher, coach, or any other position of leadership would warrant immediate termination. The fact that Robert Sarver ‘owns’ the team does not give him a license to treat others differently than any other leader.
Najafi, who holds the second-largest share in the team behind Sarver says he isn’t interested in buying Sarver’s share of the team, but will help guide the future of the franchise.
“While I have no interest in becoming the managing partner, I will work tirelessly to ensure the next team steward treats all stakeholders with dignity, professionalism and respect,” Najafi continued.
MORE: Where does Sarver’s $10 million fine rank in NBA history?
Key findings from the Robert Sarver investigation
The investigation, which included interviews with 320 people and the examination of more than 80,000 documents and other materials, determined that Sarver made racially insensitive and “sex-related” comments and engaged in “inequitable conduct toward female employees.”
Per the NBA’s statement:
Additionally, the investigation found that there was a “lack of proper organizational policies and control” and noted that the Suns’ human resources department was “historically ineffective and not a trusted resource for employees who were subjected to acts of improper workplace conduct.”
You can read the full report here.
