Posted on August 24, 2022

Al Sharpton Calls on PayPal to Cut Ties With Controversial Phoenix Suns Owner

Olafimihan Oshin, The Hill, August 23, 2022

The Rev. Al Sharpton is urging American financial technology company PayPal to end its partnership with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and its owner, Robert Sarver, who is facing allegations of racism and misogyny.

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“Mr. Sarver’s leadership has been riddled with credible allegations of racism, misogyny, and harboring a toxic work environment.”

Sharpton, the founder and CEO of the National Action Network, noted that PayPal has made significant contributions to fighting institutional racism and advancing diversity and inclusion in the aftermath of the nationwide protests and unrest following the police murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

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“Yet, PayPal has continued to do business with Robert Sarver, who is a known perpetrator of racism and hate, and is now expanding its business relationship with Mr. Sarver internationally,” Sharpton added in his letter. {snip}

Sharpton’s letter comes after the NBA announced in November that it had launched an investigation into the Suns organization and Sarver’s conduct following an ESPN report that detailed allegation of racist and misogynistic behavior toward coaches, players and employees.

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