News
REV. AL SHARPTON REACTS TO ROBERT SARVER DECISION TO SELL OWNERSHIP STAKE IN PHOENIX SUNS AND MERCURY
—
New York, NY (Wednesday, September 21, 2022) – Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement in response to Robert Sarver’s decision to sell his share of both the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury. His decision comes amid mounting pressure from Civil Rights leaders, players, and corporate sponsors on the NBA Board of Governors to remove Sarver as team owner. A damning NBA investigation released last week found Sarver demonstrated bigoted, misogynistic, and abusive behavior while running the Suns. NBA stars Lebron James, Chris Paul, and Draymond Green have since condemned Sarver’s behavior.
“For the better part of the last year, I have refused to allow Robert Sarver’s despicable behavior to be swept under the rug. The racist old boys’ club in professional sports is officially closed. A new era is upon us where it is intolerable to view Black players like property. Sarver’s decision today is the first step in the long road toward justice for the Suns and Mercury – the staff, the players, and the fans. It is now imperative that the NBA, both teams, the corporate sponsors, and the new owner, whomever they may be, follow through on the commitment to root out racism, misogyny, and hate.
The NBA’s actions over the last week also make it apparent that the league must also do some soul searching. I am ready to renew our partnership with the league to advance justice throughout professional basketball, the sports world at large, and our nation.”
About National Action Network (NAN)
National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender.
For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.