[ad_1]
The New York-based law firm leading the NBA’s investigation into the workplace culture of the Phoenix Suns under owner Robert Sarver has begun scheduling and conducting in-person interviews of current and former team employees, but it’s unclear whether those who have signed non-disclosure agreements will be able to speak freely to investigators.
The Suns organization and the NBA each declined to answer questions from ESPN about whether the former employees will be released from their confidentiality agreements in order to avoid potential legal penalties if they speak to investigators.
A Suns spokesperson said the organization “is fully cooperating with the investigation” but declined to answer questions about the NDA release, citing the ongoing investigation.
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass also declined to answer the question, saying: “It would be irregular to detail the methods of an investigation while it is ongoing — as doing so could potentially prejudice or otherwise jeopardize the integrity of the investigation. All those participating will be assured that the process will be fair and impartial.”
The league launched an investigation after ESPN published a story that included allegations of racism and misogyny in a sometimes hostile and toxic workplace during majority owner Robert Sarver’s 17-year tenure in Phoenix. The Suns subsequently encouraged employees with any pertinent information to participate, league sources said. Recently, two investigators visited Phoenix and, over a videoconference call, ensured confidentiality to everyone who requested it to participate in the investigation, sources previously told ESPN.
But one former Suns employee told ESPN they remain uncertain about whether they can speak freely about their experiences in Phoenix, saying they would be “happy to speak” with the investigators if they are assured they will not face legal consequences. The employee is hopeful that “the NBA would have my back.”
The investigators, who are…
[ad_2]
Source : espn
