Phoenix Suns Owner Robert Sarver Suspended And Fined $10 Million For Racist Language
ForbesJUL 2022
The Spin
Narrative A
Although this decision reinforces the NBA's commitment to holding franchise owners accountable for their wrongdoings, the League must not be praised for imposing merely a one-year ban and a fine on Sarver. His actions, like Los Angeles Clippers' former owner Donald Sterling, warranted a lifetime ban - the only difference between their actions is that Sterling's racist remarks were recorded.
Narrative B
There's no doubt that Sarver is a repulsive person who, ideally, shouldn't be allowed to own an NBA team. However, the League couldn't do anything more to punish his behavior. Unlike in the Sterling case, banning Sarver for life and forcing him to sell his franchises would drag the NBA into a legal battle they have a questionable chance of winning.