Chris Paul & Devin Booker Talk Sarver Situation At Media Day
On Monday, the Phoenix Suns had their media day, which typically only discusses the next NBA season (2022–23). There was undoubtedly some discussion of basketball, but Robert Sarver, the soon-to-be-former owner of the Suns and Phoenix Mercury, was one non-basketball subject that each player, executive, and coach felt compelled to address.
After an investigation revealed that Sarver had engaged in inappropriate workplace behaviour, promoted an unfriendly work environment, and used the N-word many times in front of employees, the NBA suspended him for a year and fined him $10 million. Sarver claimed he had begun the process of selling both the Suns and the Mercury soon after that punishment was made public.
Back to business. pic.twitter.com/XUyXKi1Rup
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) September 26, 2022
New threads for media day.@DevinBook 🔸 @Suns pic.twitter.com/sVv7UL88Qb
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) September 26, 2022
Most players (as well as head coach Monty Williams) were questioned about Sarver’s behaviour and his punishment initially.
Here Are The Comments Made By Chris Paul & Devin Booker Said-
Chris Paul
Paul spoke on the incident and said, “Thoughts and prayers to all those concerned.”
“It was difficult to read, though I can’t speak for all of our guys. It disturbed me.”
Chris Paul’s initial thoughts on the Robert Sarver situation: pic.twitter.com/LbHnTCd9Z2
— Lindsey Smith (@LindseySmithAZ) September 26, 2022
Paul later clarified that following reading the press release, he was in contact with commissioner Silver. He also got in touch with players like Kyle Lowry and CJ McCollum to get their opinions on the subject.
Paul was questioned about how this situation compares to the one involving Donald Sterling and the Clippers. He said that the timing of the news releases in the two situations made them distinct, with one happening during the summer and the other with Los Angeles happening in the middle of the playoffs.
Devin Booker
When questioned about his initial thoughts on the Sarver report, Booker described it as “difficult.”
Devin Booker on Robert Sarver situation: pic.twitter.com/0z9q1A7FIg
— Lindsey Smith (@LindseySmithAZ) September 26, 2022
Booker remarked, “That’s not the Robert Sarver I know. “That’s not the Robert Sarver who greeted me warmly when I arrived in Phoenix. However, I also recognize that everyone in this circumstance has varied experiences with other individuals on a personal level, so I’m not being insensitive to anyone. But because it isn’t the person I know, it’s difficult to read.”
Since Sarver is now selling the franchise, Booker doesn’t believe the “Sarver situation” will be a distraction either, but it may have been if Sarver hadn’t decided to keep the Suns.
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