Penny Sarver, the wife of Robert Sarver, has contacted at least three former employees of the Phoenix Suns.
These former employees say they consider the messages an attempt to intimidate them.
When reached for comment, Penny Sarver confirmed she sent the messages and said she looks forward to the NBA's investigation.
"Over the weekend, I decided on my own to reach out to a few people to try to set the record straight and to share how disappointed and hurt I am by the lies that are circulating about my husband and the Suns organization," Penny Sarver said. "I shared the betrayal that I felt and I touched on some of the pain that we are going through as a family.
"Any suggestion that I tried to 'intimidate' anyone is as silly as it is wrong and outrageous."
ESPN has reviewed the messages, which the former employees each confirmed receiving.
"This is Penny Sarver," one message began. "I know a lot of bridges were burned between you and Robert and you are very bitter. I want to remind you that real lives are at stake here."
Later, the message added, "Please put your hatred aside and realize the hurt you are causing by spreading lies and fabrications. Is your time in the spotlight that important? If something happens to one of my children, I will hold you and Earl Watson personally responsible. Think about your own child for a second and imagine the tables turned."
