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AP: 332312ad-16c4-4e59-9d92-974c83b15812
From left, Phoenix Suns' Sebastian Telfair, Luke Zeller, Kendall Marshall, Wesley Johnson and Michael Beasley watch the closing moments of their 98-94 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
listen Listen: Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Suns
Burns & Gambo did not go easy on the owner of the Phoenix Suns. Sarver was asked (and he answered) all the burning questions surrounding the controversial hiring & firing at the head coach position.
The Phoenix Suns are 13-28 at the midway point in the season. They're residing in the Western Conference's basement, and are much closer to being the worst team in basketball than a playoff team.

Their attendance is down for the third consecutive year, and with what's happened around the team lately, there would seem to be a bit of a negative attitude towards the Valley's original professional sports team.

Not so, says Suns owner Robert Sarver.

"I would disagree with that," Sarver told Arizona Sports 620's Burns and Gambo when asked about an upset fan base. "I would say that we monitor all of the information that comes in from our ticket holders and our fans, and I would disagree with that."

Sarver said the idea that Suns fans are upset is "a good story" for the media, and is just one of many non-factual stories that have surfaced with regards to the team.

But, he added, he understands tough decisions during tough times will rub fans the wrong way.

"This is a tough time for a franchise," he said. "When we're not winning and we're not playing well fans are upset, and that all comes with it.

"What I would say to the fans is we're working every day to try to get our team back to elite status."

Adam Green, Web Content Editor - ArizonaSports.com
70 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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  • Abuse
    Kevin J. wrote...
    ORLY
    January 23, 2013 5:03 pm
    I guess that explains all the sold-out games over the past few years.
  • Abuse
    chefbigjon wrote...
    Who is he talking to?
    January 23, 2013 5:06 pm
    I've been a fan for 30 years, season ticket holder for 25, and I am very upset. I don't see much hope for this team. The only thing positive about this season is watching the Lakers struggle so much.Probably not going to renew next year unless something positive happens.
  • Abuse
    johnnyb588 wrote...
    I'm not angry
    January 23, 2013 5:06 pm
    Do I wish the Suns were winning championships every year instead of the sitting in the cellar of the West? Yeah, sure. But I'm a fan, through and through. Regardless of whether or not I think management is making the right calls, I'll still support the team with my viewership and buy tickets to the games. Btw, on not hiring Dan Majerle, that's completely their prerogative. Who's to say Dan would have made a better coach? The franchise didn't owe it to Dan, and just because he was "more experienced" than Hunter didn't mean he was more qualified.
  • Abuse
    johnnyb588 wrote...
    I find it shocking
    January 23, 2013 5:10 pm
    That so many Suns fans are this disillusioned. There's a reason PHX is viewed as one of the worst sports cities in the nation. Their fans are fairweather and they don't know their stuff. Oh well, such is life.
  • Abuse
    Joe1013e wrote...
    @johnnyb
    January 23, 2013 5:25 pm
    No. We know our stuff. We're not stupid enough to keep shelling out money for something that isn't any good like Cubs fans do every year. Sometimes you have to take a stand against this kind of crap. Fans like you just enable their poor decision making. Did they have to hire Dan Majerle? No. You are absolutely right. Just like the Cardinals did not have to hire Ray Horton. But to give it to a guy that has had no experience coaching in his life doesn't exude confidence in fans or the team.
  • Abuse
    Brian K. wrote...
    Angry and embarrassed
    January 23, 2013 5:32 pm
    If they thought we were going to make the playoffs this year you have to seriously doubt the abilities of the leadership here. This was the beginning of the rebuilding process. And if the GM didn't think this team has been trying hard, then he needs to be the next to leave. Without a start player and a game closer what more did they expect other then developing the good group of role players we have. Then to skip the 2 coaches being brought up to take over eventually and give it to Hunter is disheartening at best.
  • Abuse
    SafteyE wrote...
    Johnnyb588
    January 23, 2013 5:47 pm
    No. The reason Suns fans are this disillusioned is because this team was a consistently successful and respected franchise for decades. But there's a reason you view "PHX ... as one of the worst sports cities in the nation"... you evidently hate it here. All 4 major sports, and a major University is difficult for any major city to completely support, much less one full of people from other places who love living here but hate the sports teams (I'm guessing that describes you). Feel free to leave anytime. Thanks, PHX
  • Abuse
    Bauerstan wrote...
    You got to be kidding me
    January 23, 2013 6:01 pm
    Is Sarver that out of touch! Not sure there are any Suns fans left
  • Abuse
    Tennisgrandpa wrote...
    Seriously?
    January 23, 2013 6:03 pm
    That's dumber than anything my ex-wife has said and that's saying something.
    Dale
  • Abuse
    JW L. wrote...
    I dont know if all Suns fans are angry
    January 23, 2013 6:18 pm
    ...but the ones I know, who are still fans despite Sarver's incompetence at running a sports franchise, are ANGRY! I keep telling them they should walk away because this team won't ever recover with the banker in charge, but some still think it is the "true fan's role" to just watch their team squirm around while the owner sucks the money and life out of their Suns. I say drop em, and wait till they are sold to a good owner, or get moved somewhere else and a new team pops up in 10 years. 'No team' or a 'Sarver team' are the same.
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