When Adam Silver took the podium, the thought was the NBA Commissioner would have an acceptable punishment for Phoenix Suns’ governor, Robert Sarver.
That wasn’t the case.
During the press conference, I kept expecting a Scooby Doo type reveal where someone pulls off an Adam Silver mask to reveal that it was Roger Goodell. That’s how poorly received the Silver’s punishment Sarver was.
The strategy was clear. Release the report and let it’s contents generate outrage and action. It was obvious that the plan Silver conjured up was to pass the buck to the public, Suns employees, players, and sponsors to do what he wasn’t willing to do.
But why should the burden of justice not lie with the Commissioner’s office and fellow NBA Governors?
Because at the end of the day, the NBA Governors and every other sports owners operate on the “next time it could be me” principle. That’s really scary when those in charge are afraid of putting rules in because they’re worried that one day that they will be the racist, sexist pig that the world frowns upon. Is it that hard to be a decent human being?
It’s early on but Silver has seen his plan spur action. Paypal has said they won’t renew their sponsorship at the end of the season if Sarver is still part of the organization.
“PayPal is a values-driven company and has a strong record of combatting racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination. We have reviewed the report of the NBA league’s independent investigation into Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and have found his conduct unacceptable and in conflict with our values. PayPal’s sponsorship with the Suns is set to expire at the end of the current season. In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension.”
Suns vice chairman Jahm Najafi has also spoke out against Sarver. Though the request holds no weight, Najafi made it clear that he would like to see Sarver resign.
“I cannot in good judgment sit back and allow our children and future generations of fans think that this behavior is tolerated because of wealth and privilege. Therefore, in accordance with my commitment to helping eradicate any form of racism, sexism and bias, as Vice Chairman of the Phoenix Suns, I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver. 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.”
It will be interesting to see if more sponsors will come out and hit Sarver where it hurts, his pocket. That’s the only want there’s a chance that Sarver will leave and that might not be enough.
Just a short time ago, Washington Commanders’ owner survived a coup from his minority owners and, in many ways, came out on top as he owns and even larger percentage of the team.
It’s why Silver’s actions, or inactions, were so hurtful. In the press conference, he could’ve called for his fellow Governors to vote and proceed with the pathways as spelled out in the league’s constitution.
Instead Silver shrunk worse than Duke in Coach K’s final game. A game that Silver attended.
And, just like when Coach K put the blame of losing that game on anyone but himself, Silver decided that the burden of the league losing face didn’t fall on him.
