Lawyers leading the NBA investigation into the Phoenix Suns are preparing to interview Robert Sarver about the allegations against the team and its majority owner, sources close to the investigation told ESPN.
Sources say more than 300 people were interviewed as part of an investigation the league launched in November after ESPN published a story involving accusations of racism and misogyny in the sometimes hostile and toxic workplace in Phoenix during its 17-year term. of Sarver.
New York-based Wachtell Lipton, who previously conducted investigations into the ownership of the LA Clippers and Atlanta Hawks, interviews current and former employees who have worked at all levels of the organization since the Sarver-led group bought Suns in 2004. Some have been interviewed repeatedly, sources said.
Lawyers asked for specific allegations in the ESPN report, which is based on interviews with more than 70 current and former employees. Officials confirmed a number of published allegations, introducing others, sources said, and providing investigators with documents, including emails.
As part of the investigation, Suns, who did not respond to a request for comment, provided access to internal emails and records of human resources, sources said.
The deadline for completing the investigation remains unclear. The lawyers consistently explained to current and former employees that they were at the “fact-finding” stage.
“The investigation is ongoing and the law firm Wachtell Lipton will report its findings to the league when it is completed,” league spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN.