Rev. Al Sharpton Calls for Immediate Removal of Robert Sarver as Owner of the Phoenix Suns

Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), today continued to call on Phoenix Suns owner, Robert Sarver, to be removed from the NBA after a damning report demonstrated patterns of racism, misogyny, and abuse.

Sarver was issued a one-year sentence and fined $10 million for his actions.

“I have a deep respect for Commissioner [Adam] Silver, [attorney, sports executive, and current commissioner of the NBA] as we have worked together to raise the bar of what it means to own an NBA team. Unfortunately, trying to explain away the light punishment on Robert Sarver greatly misses the mark. Nobody can evolve from being a bigot.”

“This one-year suspension is a band-aid on a tumor. To say it is in remission while it grows will only make the entire league sicker.”

“We must remove this cancer swiftly and precisely, while sending a message that hate has no place in American sports. It’s time for the players, the fans, and the corporate sponsors to rise up and demand that Robert Sarver be immediately removed from the NBA.”

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.net.