George Sarver’s Racism and Sexism Revealed

For 17 years, Suns owner George Sarver has championed diversity, equity and inclusion. However, an independent investigation has revealed he has engaged in racist and sexist behavior.

Recently, ESPN revealed that during a recruiting pitch to free agent Steve Nash in 2015, Sarver made the racially insensitive comment “Black guy”. The staffer who reported this remark told ESPN it was an example of insensitivity towards minorities.

Early Life and Education

Childhood experiences and environments can have profound physical, social, and emotional consequences for a child. While positive experiences help build the foundations for a stronger life, traumatic ones may leave lasting scars.

Early childhood education (ECE) encompasses the years from birth to age 8. This period is critical in a child’s development because their brain architecture changes rapidly during this time, and the skills learned can be carried over into other aspects of their lives.

Early in childhood, children develop essential emotional skills like self-assurance, regulation of their feelings, self-expression and respect. Furthermore, they acquire life-long abilities like problem-solving and healthy risk taking.

Professional Career

George Sarver has held various leadership roles within professional sports. He currently owns both the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the National Basketball Association.

He purchased the teams in 2004 for approximately $400 million. Additionally, he is Chairman and President of Zions Bancorporation, as well as having previously served on Grossmont Bank in San Diego.

Last week, the NBA suspended Sarver after an investigation revealed he had used racist and misogynistic language in the workplace. A report by Wachtell, Lipton Rosen & Katz – an independent law firm representing the NBA – concluded that Sarver had broken league regulations.

In November 2021, the NBA initiated an investigation into Sarver’s conduct after ESPN published a report detailing his history of racist and misogynistic incidents. As a result, PayPal announced it would no longer partner with the Suns if Sarver remains on the team.

Achievements and Honors

George Sarver has received numerous honors throughout his career. He is renowned for his accomplishments in banking and real estate.

He founded the National Bank of Arizona in 1984 and later sold it to Zions Bancorporation. Additionally, he joined Millard Seldin to form Southwest Value Partners in 1990, which acquired Emerald Plaza and other properties in San Diego.

He is a decorated veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam who is survived by his wife Helen of Albuquerque, New Mexico; four children: Barbara Willcox of Grants, New Mexico; Timothy Sarver Sr. of Phoenix, Arizona; Deborah Blocker also from Albuquerque; plus 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Personal Life

George Sarver was a devoted family man, deeply committed to his wife and eight children. He took an active interest in his community by serving on the boards for Herrick Farmer’s Store, Cemetery Trustee, Township Supervisor and Census Taker.

He enjoyed playing baseball with his wife. Additionally, they owned and operated a grocery store in Herrick.

They were members of the Church of Christ and had seven grandchildren. Sandra, Cindy, Bea and Franklin all served in Bible Teaching ministries while Franklin also served as an Elder for his church.

He was a proud Korean War veteran who passed away at home in McCandless on May 31, 2021. He was an exemplary father and grandfather who loved his family deeply, as well as being a dear friend to many in the community. He will be sorely missed by his loved ones and many in the surrounding area.

Net Worth

George Sarver, an American businessman with a net worth of $800 million, made his fortune through the opening of several banks and currently owning the Phoenix Suns.

He also co-founded Southwest Value Partners, a real estate development company.

Sarver began his banking career by founding the National Bank of Tucson in Tucson and expanding it throughout Arizona. He sold it to Utah-based Zions Bancorporation in 1994 and followed that up by purchasing Grossmont Bank in San Diego two years later.

He married Penny Sanders in 1996 and they have three sons together. The couple resides in Paradise Valley, Arizona in a sprawling mansion that cost them $14 million.