LeBron vs. NBA over Sarver’s petting penalty: “Wrong decision, we have to lead by example”

The NBA is in transition. The league’s decision to ban Robert Sarver for a year on allegations of sexist, racist and misogynist behavior and fine him $10 million has angered many as everyone expected harsher penalties. And it was LeBron James showing everyone’s thoughts.

The $10 million fine for a … billionaire and the somewhat … generalized notion of a year-long ban for the team owner were slapstick penalties, with LeBron lashing out on Twitter and laying it out with the NBA.

Specifically, The King wrote: “I’ve read the stories about Sarver a few times. I have to be honest… Our league definitely made the wrong decision. I don’t need to explain why. You’ve read all the stories and you can make up your own mind. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again:

There is no place in the league for that kind of behavior. I love the league and respect our leadership. But that’s not right. Misogyny, sexism and racism have no place in any work environment. It doesn’t matter if you own a team or play for the team. As a league we have to lead by example and that’s not our principle.”

According to LeBron and critics of Sarver’s decision, what would be the correct punishment? The answer is pretty clear, with many arguing that the NBA should find a way to remove him from the league. Something that happened in 2014 when Donald Sterling – then owner of the Clippers – was ostracized from the NBA for leaking audio documents showing racist behavior.

However, it’s worth noting that even then, Sterling’s behavior was nothing new in NBA circles. It was something that lasted for years under the league’s tolerance until a real cause was found, showing that things are not quite what they seem in the NBA.