LeBron James and Chris Paul dismiss Robert Sarver punishment as too light

LeBron James and Chris Paul have dismissed the NBA’s punishment of Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver as too lenient.

An ESPN report, which was later corroborated by an NBA investigation, found that Sarver used the n-word on five occasions when repeating the words of others.

The study also concluded that Sarver used demeaning language toward female employees, including telling a pregnant employee that she would not be able to do her job after becoming a mother; made off-color comments and jokes about sex and anatomy; and yelled and cursed at employees in ways that would be considered bullying “under workplace standards”. The investigation added that Sarver did not use “racially insensitive language with the intent to demean or denigrate”.

The investigation’s findings led the NBA to fine Sarver $10m and suspend him for one year. Sarver says he accepts the punishment.

On Wednesday, James – the league’s most influential player – expressed his disappointment.

“Read through the Sarver stories a few times now,” he wrote on Twitter. “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.”

Around 75% of players in the NBA are Black and the league has been praised for its work on inclusion and support of social and racial justice.

Suns point guard Chris Paul, who is a former president