Suns staff members call for more severe punishment for owner Robert Sarver / News - Basketnews.com

The Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was suspended for a year as well as received $10 million fine but Suns staff members believe it is not severe enough of a punishment.

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Credit Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

As previously reported, NBA has suspended the Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver for one year from the Suns and Phoenix Mercury organization based on the league investigation.

Sarver has also been fined $10 million and will have to complete a training program focused on respect and appropriate workplace conduct.

However, it is reported that the Suns' current and former staff members are unhappy with the light punishment Sarver has received.

ESPN writer Baxter Holmes claims that one current employee told him that NBA's decision to suspend Sarver was not severe enough.

"I cannot express to you how mad and disappointed people are at the spineless nature of the NBA's decision," said the unnamed employee.

While one former staffer according to Baxter called it 'a slap on a wrist'.

Sarver was accused of hostile behavior in the workplace including racism and sexism this past October.

Sarver disputed the allegations of misdeeds in a pre-emptive strike back then, saying that he despises racism and sexism.

"First and foremost, I reject any insinuation of personal or organizational racism or gender discrimination," he said in a statement on October 22.

"I despise language that disrespects any individuals, regardless of race, gender, preference, or choice. Such language has no place in business or at home in what I consider Suns and Mercury families. I am proud of our record of diversity and inclusion on both teams -- whether on the court or in the front office," said Sarver.

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