Monty Williams: The allegations (Sarver) are serious; we will wait for the investigation

PHOENIX – By saying there are two sides to the story, Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams will await the NBA’s investigation into the team owner Robert Sarver’s conduct before taking any action.

ESPN published a long story Thursday, based on dozens of interviews, detailing multiple incidents of misogyny and racism during Sarver’s 17-year tenure as owner. Sarver has issued a series of strong denials in statements and comments through his attorneys.

“As a program manager, I find all these things that are said to be serious by nature,” Williams said before the Suns faced the Houston Rockets. “It takes courage to come out and express yourself. But at the same time, I am aware that there are two sides to this equation … We still have to wait to see how clear the facts can seem.”

Williams said he had spoken with the captain and team leader Chris paul on the matter.

“When it comes to Chris, I think he probably feels the same way. I can’t speak for him,” Williams said.

Williams is in his third year as the team’s coach. He noted that all the allegations in history took place before it came to the franchise in 2019.

“If any of that happened while I was here, I wouldn’t be in this seat,” Williams said. “The League is doing an investigation and we will know more obviously once it is resolved.”

Williams said he did not know former Suns coach Earl Watson, who officially said Sarver used racist language.

“I’m not going to talk about Earl,” Williams said. “That happened before I was here. That doesn’t mean it’s not serious, but I’m going to wait until the investigation is done.”

Williams had multiple job offers when he came to the Suns, including from the Los Angeles Lakers. He said his arguments and subsequent relationship with Sarver were part of the reason he chose the Suns.

“The property was a huge draw for me because of the conversations I had with Robert. We were quite frank about the things we had to say,” Williams said. “To say that the property did not play a major role in my decision to come here would be false. I would not be able to do what I do if I did not have a partnership and relationship that I have with Robert in the last two years.”