Phoenix Suns vice chairman and minority owner Sam Garvin has been appointed the team's interim governor during majority owner Robert Sarver's suspension, sources tell ESPN.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver authorized Garvin's ascension to that position Wednesday night, sources said.

Sarver, who also is the majority owner of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, was suspended one year and fined $10 million Tuesday after an investigation found that he used the N-word at least five times "when recounting the statements of others."

Sarver also was involved in "instances of inequitable conduct toward female employees," including "sex-related comments" and inappropriate comments on employees' appearances.