NBA superstar LeBron James and Phoenix Suns player Chris Paul believe that the sanctions imposed on team owner Robert Sarver for workplace sexism and racism “fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behaviour”. They have called for harsher punishments for was essentially termed as ‘bullying’ in the workplace by Sarver.

The Phoenix Suns owner has been banned from the NBA for one year and he has also been fined $10 million following an investigation into allegations over workplace misconduct.

“Our league definitely got this wrong. I don’t need to explain why,” said four-time NBA champion and Los Angeles Lakers star James on Twitter.

“I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership. But this isn’t right. There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any workplace. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this ain’t it,” he went on to add on the social media platform.
60-year-old Robert Sarver has since released an official statement in which he has apologised for his words and actions to his employees that were offended by his behaviour. However, he also disagrees with several points of the NBA investigative report.

The NBA investigation ended up personally interviewing over 300 individuals which include current and former employees of Sarver who has spent 18 years as Managing Partner of the Suns and the Women’s NBA’s Phoenix Mercury. The investigation has also found evidence from more than 80,000 documents and other media sources that include emails, texts and videos.

The league found that Sarver “engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards, as reflected in team and League rules and policies”, which included “the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying”

Suns player Chris Paul echoed LeBron James’ sentiments and suggested stricter punishment be imposed on Sarver. He said that he was horrified upon reading the entire report and that the 60-year-old’s conduct, especially towards women, can never be repeated again. Paul said the sanctions fell short in truly addressing his atrocious behaviour and that his heart goes out to all of the people that were affected.