If Sarver stays, PayPal won’t sponsor Suns

PayPal said Friday that the company will no longer sponsor the Suns if owner Robert Sarver remains part of the franchise when his suspension ends.

PayPal said its current partnership deal with the Suns ends after the coming 2022-23 season, meaning it will expire during Sarver’s one-year suspension from the NBA. Sarver was suspended this week, plus fined $10 million, after an investigation showed a pattern of lewd, misogynistic, and racist speech and conduct during his 18 years as owner of the Suns.

In a statement, PayPal President and CEO Dan Schulman pointed to his company’s “strong record of combatting racism, sexism and all forms of discrimination” and said Sarver’s conduct is “unacceptable.”

“In light of the findings of the NBA’s investigation, we will not renew our sponsorship should Robert Sarver remain involved with the Suns organization, after serving his suspension,” Schulman said.

Auto racing: NASCAR champion Kyle Larson signed a three-year contract extension through 2026 with Hendrick Motorsports.

Golf: Rory McIlroy produced an eagle for the second consecutive day and Matt Fitzpatrick had five straight birdies in the second round as they stood 1-2 near the midpoint of the Italian Open. Play was suspended because of darkness for the second straight day . ... Dustin Johnson is coming off a win at the last LIV Golf event. Along with his team earnings, he already is closing in on $10 million after four events. And on Friday, the former No. 1 player made it look easy with a 63 at the LIV Golf Invitational-Chicago for a three-shot lead over Cameron Smith.

NFL: Patriots quarterback Mac Jones returned to practice a day after sitting out with an illness, putting him on track to start Sunday’s game against the Steelers.Jones hasn’t missed a regular-season start since being drafted No. 15 overall in 2021.