Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse pledged his full support to assistant coach Earl Watson after the NBA opened an investigation into allegations of racism and professional misconduct against Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver.
"We'll support him as a friend, as a colleague in our organization, we'll support him and be there for whatever he may need," Nurse said.
Watson, who was head coach of the Suns for parts of three seasons from 2015-18, accused Sarver of using the N-word multiple times in a wide-ranging report published by ESPN Thursday. The report, which ESPN says featured interviews with more than 70 current and former Suns employees, featured multiple similar accusations of racism and sexism against Sarver.
After the ESPN story was published, Sarver denied the allegations from Watson in a statement through his attorney.
"The N-word is not part of my vocabulary," the statement reads. "I have never called anyone or any group of people the N-word, or referred to anyone or any group of people by that word either verbally or in writing. I don't use that word. It is abhorrent and ugly and denigrating and against everything I believe in."
Watson responded to Sarver's denial with his own statement Thursday night, applauding "the courage of the numerous players, executives, and staffers for fighting toxic environments of racial insensitivity, sexual harassment, and micro-aggressions with their truth."
"I am not interested in engaging in an ongoing battle of fact," Watson's statement read. "Basketball and 17 years in the NBA has allowed me the financial privilege to speak my truth, but we can’t forget about those who must remain silent for fear of losing their jobs. While our fortitude assists with progress, there is still more work to be done in the name of equality, and I believe that one of the strengths of our league is its ongoing commitment to justice.
"This has been a traumatic experience, one that has affected me profoundly, and I am not willing to relive it every day. But I will not forget it, and I will address it more fulsomely at a point in the future when I feel ready."
The NBA announced Thursday that it planned to open an investigation into the allegations against Sarver and the overall workplace culture within the Suns and Phoenix Mercury organizations.
“The allegations contained in today’s ESPN article are extremely serious, and we have directed the Wachtell Lipton law firm to commence a comprehensive investigation," the NBA said in a statement. "The NBA and WNBA remain committed to providing a respectful and inclusive workplace for all employees. Once the investigation is completed, its findings will provide the basis for any league action."
