“Where was your faith when you were repeating the “N” word all those times?” - Chris Broussard rips Robert Sarver apart for his weak statement and unprofessional actions
Robert Sarver will put the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury on sale after strong pushback from around the NBA regarding his fine and one-year suspension.
LeBron James, Chris Paul and Suns vice-chairman Jahm Najafi advocated a bigger penalty after the league's findings on Sarver's racist and misogynistic behavior.
Sarver’s official statement regarding the NBA’s punishment and his decision to sell both teams didn’t sit well with most basketball analysts and fans. Chris Broussard, on “The Odd Couple” podcast, minced no words lambasting the businessman:
“He starts off as a 'man of faith.' I doubt he’s become a man of faith within the last two weeks. ...
“Robert Sarver, you show us your faith by the way you behave, by the way you act. We don't believe you’re a man or woman of faith just 'cause you say so. You have to show some fruit of being a faithful believer, period!
“Where was your faith when you were repeating the N-word all those times? Where was your faith when you were sending pornographic photos and videos to freaking people that worked for you?!
“Where was your faith then when you were talking about all types of inappropriate sexual stuff in staff meetings? Where was your faith then?
Broussard concluded:
“You know people by the fruit of their life, that’s how we know your faith, not 'cause you say it. Don’t give me that!”
@RobParkerFS1: "I think Adam Silver misread the room and botched this. He didn't understand that there was no way Sarver was ever gonna be able to take back his team in a year."Robert Sarver’s attempt to gain sympathy by calling today’s climate “unforgiving” was pathetic. As a “man of faith,” repent for betraying that faith & accept the repercussions for your actions. twitter.com/foxsportsradio…
Robert Sarver seemed to feel remorseful only after he was caught. After racist and misogynistic accusations first emerged in a report by ESPN’s Baxter Holmes, the businessman forcefully revolted against it. He attacked the integrity of the report and the “sources” who were out to smear his name.
The tone drastically changed when the NBA handed out the punishment based on its findings. Sarver’s suddenly docile disposition wasn’t about to hoodwink LeBron James and others who called out the league’s failure to impose bigger punishment.
Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver has put both franchises up for sale.
Although the move comes as a punishment for his actions, early estimates indicate that both teams could sell for more than $3 billion.
@MikeVorkunov has more ⤵️
theathletic.com/3615971/2022/0… https://t.co/CnaQbbwlrp
Holmes, on ESPN, shared what one current Phoenix Suns staffer felt after Robert Sarver’s decision to sell the team went public:
“To be honest, it just felt like justice! Like we can finally heal and know we won’t be working under that type of leadership. I swear there will be tears when the senior executives will be held accountable.”
NBA Today appearance with my ESPN colleagues, where I share some reaction and insight from inside the Phoenix Suns to the groundbreaking announcement that Robert Sarver will be selling the organization: https://t.co/BtOstdPzEn
Robert Sarver has been the majority owner of the Suns since 2004. After nearly two decades of his leadership, it remains to be seen who will take over the franchise.
LeBron James helped open the floodgates that led to Robert Sarver’s decision to sell the Phoenix Suns
LeBron James quickly tweeted his disapproval of what the NBA handed out as punishment for Robert Sarver after the completion of its investigation:
“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 ain't it.”
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.
Chris Paul and Draymond Green then followed, calling out the NBA for its slap-on-the-wrist punishment despite the seriousness of the offense.
Many were expecting several more superstars to boycott games once the one-year suspension was over.
"To think that someone like Robert Sarver that's acting in that manner can continue to represent us? That's bullshit"
—@Money23Green https://t.co/uRQawmYEeo
When PayPal, one of the Phoenix Suns’ major sponsors, backed James’ stance, it felt like Sarver’s time with the franchise was all but over.