Allegations of racism and misogyny within the Phoenix Suns: Inside Robert Sarver's 17-year tenure as owner

Editor's note: ESPN's investigation into Phoenix Suns majority owner Robert Sarver and the Suns' workplace culture originally published on Nov. 4, 2021. On Sept. 13, the NBA announced the conclusion of its report, suspending Sarver for one year and fining him $10 million.

ON THE EVENING of Oct. 30, 2016, at Talking Stick Resort Arena in downtown Phoenix, Earl Watson, in just his third game as the Suns' head coach, faced a tall task: beat the powerhouse Golden State Warriors.

The young Phoenix Suns team had been toiling at the bottom of the NBA's standings for years, missing the playoffs for six straight seasons while churning through head coaches. Watson was the fourth in as many years. Still, the Suns were playing the eventual NBA champions close, even leading by 13 in the first half. But it didn't last. The Warriors took control in the fourth quarter and cemented a 106-100 win, dropping the Suns to 0-3.

After the loss, Suns majority owner Robert Sarver entered the coaches locker room, Watson told ESPN.

«You know, why does Draymond Green get to run up the court and say [N-word],» Sarver, who is white, allegedly said, repeating the N-word several times in a row.

«You can't say that,» Watson, who is Black and Hispanic, told Sarver.

«Why?» Sarver replied. «Draymond Green says [N-word].»

«You can't f---ing say that,» Watson said again.

Nov. 4, 2021: ESPN releases its story on Suns owner Robert Sarver and the workplace culture in Phoenix

Nov. 4, 2021: NBA launches investigation into Sarver over racism, sexism charges

Nov. 9, 2021: Penny Sarver, wife of Robert Sarver, sent messages to three former Suns employees

Nov. 15, 2021: Investigators say team employees will be granted confidentiality

Nov. 30, 2021: Uncertainty remains