I can't say I really understand the difference either. I guess maybe because Sterling was caught on tape? Who knows... I haven't had time to review the report yet, but it sounds like more of the Sterling nonsense like you said. I did see something at a glance about inappropriate touching to male employees? It seems like Sarver has some issues that aren't just rooted in racism. I hope he is left with a sour taste in his mouth and explores selling the team. As a businessman, he's got to see that the value is at an all time high and headed lower as this recession takes hold. He should do everyone a favor, including himself, and sell the team.
Even CP3 has spoken about that issue and he said that he indeed think that the penalty is very light specially the suspension and there are lot of media criticizing Adam here and it seems it is going to be a challenge for him as a NBA commissioner. And slowly some notable players are also giving their opinion about the case, like Lebron. And yeah, this could meted a lifetime ban and maybe he will have to sell the team. He had a lot of black players and if he continues to be a a racist then there's no way that he should be allowed to own any sporting team for that matter.
Most of the players are black and racism is a big issue in the US, he is lucky that he only has a light punishment considering his financial status. I hope people will stop racism, this is not good, we have to be trained fairly as we are all humans, and we are not anymore living in the past.
Even Lebron James himself have spoken about Robert Sarver's bad behavior and racism towards the players, also, I don't really get why there are those kinds of people who just shows bad attitude towards some specific culture without a reason, they are just plain angry just by looking at them. Now, the people and players in the league aren't happy with the NBA's decision towards the case and I bet the commissioner will be forced to do some steps so that he won't get blamed.
Phoenix Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi calls for Robert Sarver's resignation
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34600876/phoenix-suns-minority-owner-jahm-najafi-calls-robert-sarver-resignation