LOS ANGELES (AFP) — National Basketball Association stars LeBron James and Chris Paul blasted the NBA for imposing what they consider a light punishment on Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver for racist and misogynist remarks.

National Basketball Players Association executive director Tamika Tremaglio also weighed in, saying Sarver should "never hold a managerial position in our league again" after his "horrible" conduct.

Sarver was fined $10 million and issued a one-year suspension from league activities on Tuesday to cap a 10-month probe into 18 years of improper activities and the difficult workplace environment they created.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday there was never a discussion of forcing Sarver to sell the team, a penalty imposed upon former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling in 2014 for racist remarks.

Silver said he did not think the violation rose to that level.