Lawyers leading the NBA investigation at 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 said more than 300 people have been interviewed as part of the investigation, which was launched in November after ESPN published a story called the sometimes hostile Phoenix in Phoenix during Sarwar's 17-year tenure at the league. And the toxic workplace included accusations of racism and abuse.
New York-based Wachtel Lipton, which previously led ownership-focused investigations into the LA Clippers and Atlanta Hawks, has interviewed current and former employees who have worked with the organization since Sons was bought by a Sarver-led group in 2004. Worked at all levels. Some sources said that the interview has been done several times.
Lawyers have asked about the specific allegations in the ESPN report, which was based on interviews with more than 70 current and former employees. Sources said employees have confirmed several published allegations, while introducing others, and provided documents, particularly emails, to investigators.
Sources said that as part of the investigation, Sun, who did not respond to a request for comment, provided internal emails and access to human resources records.
The timeline for completing the investigation is not clear. Lawyers have consistently explained to current and former employees that they are in a "fact-finding" phase.
"The investigation is ongoing and the Wachtel Lipton law firm will report its findings to the league," league spokesman Mike Bass told ESPN.