Comment to Phoenix Suns Before the team’s opening win over the Dallas Mavericks Sources who were there said that Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, expressed multiple apology to the league office for his years of workplace misconduct as a result of Suns majority shareholder Robert Sarver.
Silver stated that “I’m incredibly compassionate to what many of your have experienced,” to hundreds of employees. This included team executives and Sam Garvin, the interim governor of the team. They gathered in the lower half of the arena hours before the match.
Silver, who was seated on a stool with a microphone and a microphone, spoke for nearly an hour. He said, “To the extent you feel let down or the league, I am sorry.” I accept responsibility.”
Silver was later asked if he or the league office knew about problems in the workplace of the team under Sarver, who was responsible for a group that bought the team in 2004. Silver said he wasn’t.
“Did anyone ever mention that Robert might be difficult to handle? Silver assured employees that it was possible. But that’s a very different thing from conduct that is considered discriminatory in any way.”
After a 10-month NBA investigation led by Wachtell Lipton in New York, Sarver was suspended for one year and fined $10,000,000. The investigation found that Sarver used the N-word at most five times when “recounting the statements” of other employees. This despite being warned by both Black and White subordinates.
Sarver, who is also the owner of the Phoenix MercurySilver announced Sept. 21 that he would be selling both the franchises. Silver claimed that the league hadn’t received any complaints and had not received any calls from its confidential employee hotline in a news conference on Sept. 14.
Silver also echoed these sentiments Wednesday to employees, noting that no misconduct had ever been reported through any league official channels. However, he reiterated his apologies to employees.
Silver stated that it was a failure of the overall system of a league with 30 teams. He also said that there was no reason for the league to do so. ESPN’s Nov. 2021 storyThis report detailed racism and misogyny allegations during Sarver’s 17-year tenure. It was submitted to the FBI for investigation.
Silver acknowledged to his employees the difficulties of having league oversight over all 30 teams. This situation is similar, he said to be, to national rights versus states’ rights. He said that he still believed it was the role of the league to eventually have oversight over all 30 NBA and WNBA teams.
Silver was asked by Silver how the league could allow teams to have some freedom, but still expect them to adhere to certain standards. Silver said that while it is still an evolving process, he believes it is important that all NBA employees have a safe workplace with competent leaders and outlets for reporting any wrongdoing.
Silver stated that he believed Wachtell Lipton, which was the law firm that was used to investigate the case, did a good job. Silver acknowledged that some employees might wonder why certain stories or allegations were not included in his report. He stated that the lawyers had followed a process, and they remained “truly autonomous.”
Garvin, who was a minority owner of the team since 2004, when Sarver led an effort to buy it for a record $401 million. He also apologized to the employees on behalf the ownership group. Garvin stated, in part that “everyone has the right to respect” and that everyone should be treated professionally.
Silver was asked about the measures that the league would implement for other teams so that they don’t experience similar problems to those experienced by Phoenix. Silver referred to new processes such as regular meetings with heads of human resource for all teams and regular reporting systems.
Silver also admitted that it is not easy for some people to call the NBA’s confidential hotline. He said that additional measures should be taken. One employee expressed “lingering frustration” with the team’s initial public defense of Sarver. He asked how employees could move forward.
Silver stated that “you do need to discuss it.” “I believe it’s healthy.”
Silver said that there are professionals who can best facilitate such conversations and can help people through trauma. There is also a certain level of vulnerability when working in the NBA. This is because the positions are highly sought after and some people might be willing to take on more work than they would in other professions because the NBA is their dream job.
Silver acknowledged that he doesn’t have “deep answers”, but he said it was important to “just listen to people.”