Video Surfaces Of Phoenix Suns Owner Making Sexually Explicit Jokes At A Roast

After recent allegations of racism and misogyny, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver faces increased scrutiny Wednesday after a video released by Sports Illustrated shows him making sexual jokes at a roast.

The video shows Sarver at a roast making jokes about Suns minority owner Dick Heckmann. Some of the jokes were about Heckmann’s sons engaging in sexual activities with Suns cheerleaders and comments on an acquaintance's receptionist's chest.

“What I really know is my biggest concern was the Heckmann boys were [expletive] their way through the cheerleading team,” he said in the video. He also told stories of Heckmann's sexual exploits, saying he would brag about how often he would have sex.

Sarver later shifted his attention to someone in the crowd on their phone. "What are you doing? It’s a goddamn memorial service. [Expletive] idiot, Jesus Christ. I’m gonna guess his receptionist has small [expletive]. But, he has no idea; he’s just drinking his wine.”

A member of the Suns told Sports Illustrated that they “would characterize [the video] as being inappropriate, outrageous, and consistent with Robert Sarver’s pattern of behavior over the years."

Twelve of the 18 members of the Suns' ownership group have signed a statement supporting Sarver, refuting the accusations made against him, with the Heckmann family being among them.

“We have reviewed the article published by ESPN about the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury organization and Mr. Sarver,” a joint statement reads. “To a person, we dispute the characterization of Mr. Sarver and the organization as racist and sexist. We support Mr. Sarver’s leadership and stand with him."

On Nov. 4, the NBA officially began an investigation into Sarver after an ESPN report that cited a history of racist and misogynistic incidents as the Suns' owner.

Sarver has disputed claims of racism and gender discrimination made in the ESPN report.