Following a report on allegations of racism and misogyny against Suns owner Robert Sarver, coach Monty Williams and the players had more to discuss than just basketball before and after their win over the Rockets on Thursday.
“An article was written, many opinions were shared, many feelings were shared, but all of it happened before I was here,” Williams told reporters, via Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. “Based on what you know about me, the little you know about me, if any of that stuff happened while I was here, I wouldn’t be in this seat.”
The NBA has launched an investigation into the Suns after ESPN’s story, which quoted ex-coach Earl Watson and others both formerly and currently with the organization.
“It’s just been a lot to process,” Williams said.
He admitted that it can add stress to the season, but that the players intend to try keep their focus on practices and games.
“This is a situation where they’re going to rally around each other and hoop,” Williams said. “That’s what we do. At the same time, these aren’t comfortable situations. I understand the sensitivity of everything that’s been said or written about and expressed and it takes courage to come out and express yourself.
“And at the same time, I’m aware there are two sides to this equation.”
Sarver played a large role in Williams choosing the Suns job over the Lakers in 2019, Williams said. The Suns eliminated the Lakers from the Western Conference playoffs last season on their way to the NBA Finals.
“To say that ownership didn’t play a big deal in my decision to come here, that would be false,” Williams said. “It was. I couldn’t do what I do if I didn’t have the partnership and the relationship that I had with Robert the past two years.”
Shooting guard Devin Booker also spoke on the Sarver allegations.
“I wasn’t aware of the situation, and in my seven years I’ve been here I haven’t noticed that, but that doesn’t make me insensitive to the subject,” Booker said. “I think the NBA opened an investigation and they are going to do their due diligence of bringing out facts instead of he said/she said.
“I’m sure the NBA has it in good hands and will do the proper research to find out the truth.”
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