Sponsors And Co-Owners Calling On Sarver To Resign

The heat continues to be applied from all sides on the Phoenix Suns to secure the outright ouster of suspended owner Robert Sarver. 

A Suns minority owner has called for his resignation, following what many are calling the NBA's woefully inadequate punishment handed the Suns' majority owner this week.

Phoenix Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi, who owns the second-largest stake in the team behind majority owner Robert Sarver, just released a statement.

In it, Najafi writes, in part:

"I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver."

— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) September 16, 2022

“Due to the NBA’s investigation and findings, I have no choice but to speak up on behalf of the hundreds of you who have been impacted by your interactions with Robert Sarver and the resulting investigation of his conduct,” wrote Jahm Najafi, who owns the second-largest stake in the team. "I am calling for the resignation of Robert Sarver."

Sarver owns about 35 percent of the team. 

The call from his fellow owner to resign follows the emphatic statements from his star veteran, Chris Paul, and the face of NBA players, LeBron James, who both expressed disgust with the NBA's sanctions, saying they fell far short of what was needed. 

I am of the view that the sanctions fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behavior. My heart goes out to all of the people that were affected.

— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 15, 2022

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.

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 14, 2022

And now PayPal, the Suns' jersey sponsor, has threatened to pull out its corporate sponsorship if Sarver is still around after this season. 

PayPal CEO and President Dan Schulman says in a statement that PayPal, the Suns’ jersey sponsor, will not renew its relationship with the Suns once their current deal expires at the end of this season if Robert Sarver remains involved with the team after serving his suspension.

— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) September 16, 2022

"In light of the findings of the NBA's investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension," read the PayPal statement.

The pressure will undoubtedly continue on Sarver to resign, and this story will only heat up even more when the Suns report for training camp in 10 days. 

 Photos:  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports