Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver found himself at the center of an explosive controversy this week.
On Friday, reports emerged that a problematic story was being published about Sarver. The article in question allegedly accuses Sarver of “racism, sexism and sexual harassment in a series of incidents.”
This news just so happened to come days after Phoenix refused to give its former No. 1 draft pick, Deandre Ayton, a rookie contract extension worth more than $170 million.
Ayton has been rather blunt in expressing his frustration about the matter, despite the team attempting to explain the “real reason” they didn’t extend him.
For obvious reasons, folks on Twitter couldn’t help but speculate about Ayton’s role in Sarver’s looming issues.
Critical support for Deandre Ayton exposing the sickos in the Suns organization.
— Joe’s Crab Shack conscientious objector (@JNCO_jorts) October 22, 2021
Deandre Ayton had enough https://t.co/UbaN4XfB5l
— D9🤾🏿 (@GrooovyD9) October 22, 2021
Deandre Ayton out here exposing his owner Robert Sarver after not paying him 😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/C8FUokFmwy
— Auggie Haws (@funnymancakes) October 22, 2021
Somehow I feel this is related to him not giving Ayton the bag lmao
— HR (0-1) (@hell2nd0) October 22, 2021
De’Andre Ayton; https://t.co/GLALAVDixe pic.twitter.com/TxyMJU9EQ9
— C’mon Phonso (@GTjumperzo) October 22, 2021
To be clear, there is absolutely zero evidence that Ayton had anything to do with Sarver’s newfound woes. It’s all just internet conjecture.
That’s one way to dress to a baseball game. https://t.co/oeBgEan8bD
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 22, 2021
That said, you can’t blame folks for linking the two events given their close proximity to one another.
Will Sarver ultimately be able to survive this situation? Or does a Donald Sterling-like fate ultimately await him? Time will tell.
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A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
