Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver, fined US$10 million (HK$78 million) and banned for a year by the NBA over racist and misogynist remarks and workplace issues, said he will sell the team.
Following the punishments imposed last week, players union chief Tamika Tremaglio called for Sarver to be banned for life and NBA stars LeBron James and Chris Paul declared the penalties not severe enough.
Major sponsor PayPal said it would not renew its deal with the team if Sarver were still involved and Suns vice chairman Jahm Najafi called for Sarver to resign.
"In our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear ... whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past," Sarver said in a statement. "For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and (Women's NBA) Mercury."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Sarver's decision.
"I fully support the decision," Silver said. "This is the right next step for the organization and community."
Silver had said when the sanctions were announced that he didn't think the violations rose to the level of forcing Sarver to sell the club, as was done in 2014 with former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling over racist remarks.
LA Lakers superstar James was also pleased by the news, tweeting: "I'm so proud to be a part of a league committed to progress!"
In announcing the sale, Sarver declared it "the best course of action for everyone."
Robert Sarver
