Following the suspension of NBA franchise Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver on Tuesday, LA Lakers star LeBron James and Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul reacted to the investigation conducted by NBA and extended their support to the affected individuals.
The NBA stated that Robert Sarver would receive a $10 million fine and a one-year suspension for "instances of inequitable conduct towards female employees" including sexist remarks and comments on physical appearances .
After the suspension of Sarver, LeBron James and Chris Paul took to their respective Twitter handles and release a statement over the investigation. LeBron James stated, "Read through the Sarver stories a few times now. I gotta be honest... Our league definitely got this wrong. I don't need to explain why. Y'all read the stories and decide for yourself. I said it before and I'm gonna say it again, there is no place in this league for that kind of behavior."
"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 work place. 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 aint it," the four-time NBA champion added.
Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul said in a statement, " Like many others, I reviewed the report. I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read. This conduct especially towards women is unacceptable and must never be repeated. I am of the view that the sanctions fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behavior. My heart goes out to all of the people that were affected. "
According to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Sarver was suspended for 1 year and not more due to the lack of racial animus. On Wednesday, Silver said, " I have certain authority by virtue of this organization, and that's what I exercise. I don't have the right to take away his team. I don't want to rest on that legal point because of course there could be a process to take away someone's team in this league. It's very involved, and I ultimately made the decision that it didn't rise to that level. But, to me, the consequences are severe here on Mr. Sarver."