Sarver didn’t like Paul’s comment and gave Watson an ultimatum- he could either fire his representation, also affiliated with Paul, or Sarver would fire him 10 days into the start of the season.
Watson declined to fire his representation and the Suns fired him. Yahoo Sports! NBA insider Chris Haynes posted a 2018 interview where Watson’s story lines up with the report.
In 2018, I sat with Earl Watson and he revealed the ultimatum he was given to keep his job with the Phoenix Suns. @Baxter goes into great detail on that situation and the toxic, racist work environment created by owner Robert Sarver. https://t.co/EMkuic0a5w pic.twitter.com/gC29jFZYPI
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 4, 2021
In Sarver’s 17 years with Phoenix, the franchise has had nine coaches, including seven in an eight-year span, and eight general managers.
“The only common denominator is you,” Watson told ESPN he recalled telling Sarver.
Both Sarver and Watson then yelled they were toxic to each other.
Nearly a dozen current former women employees who have claimed to seek professional help dealing with anxiety, loss of sleep and overall declined well-being working with the Suns.
“It wrecked my life,” one former employee said. “I was contemplating suicide.”
Here is the Robert Sarver & Jae Crowder buddy comedy that literally no one asked for pic.twitter.com/AQSVPay47Z
— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) March 3, 2021
