Sports reporter Jordan Schultz reported on Friday afternoon that there is a story in the works that details allegations of racism, sexism and sexual harassment against Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver.
Later in the day, the Suns released a statement on their own, calling that story not yet published as something “based on lies, innuendo, and a false narrative to attack our organization and its leadership.”
Schultz, who according to his Twitter bio is not currently employed by ESPN, joined Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo to provide further clarity on his report of the report.
“This report is a monster,” he said. “As bad as you might think it might be for us to be having this conversation, it’s worse. What I was told some of the things that are going to surface in this report, including sexual harassment, it is jaw-dropping. There’s just no way that with all of these people on the record, men and women, that he’s going to be able to survive this in my eyes.”
Schultz said he is reporting that former head coach Earl Watson and former general manager Ryan McDonough are both on the record in the story.
“What I was told was that there has been a kind of sweep under the rug culture that he has fostered,” Schultz said of Sarver.
Schultz was not able to share major details of the reporting, which Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reports has over 50 people interviewed for.
The Suns’ statement on the story, which, once again, has yet to be released, includes Sarver’s denial of any racism or sexism.
“Even hints of racism or sexism in our culture today are toxic and damaging and should not be lightly raised,” the statement said. “I categorically deny any and all suggestions that I used disparaging language related to race or gender.”
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