In the mix of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's racist comments in strong language, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the league has banned Sterling for life while also forcing him to sell the team as soon as possible. The suspension also includes a prevention to attend any NBA event and a fine worth $2.5 million.
"The central findings of the investigation are that the man whose voice is on the recordings ... is Mr. Sterling and that the hateful feelings are those of Mr. Sterling. The views expressed by Mr. Sterling are deeply disturbing and alarming," Silver said during a news conference Tuesday.
"As for Mr. Sterling's ownership interest in the Clippers," Silver said. "I will urge the board of governors to force a sale of the team and will do everything in my power to ensure that happens."
Silver said he made the decison to ban Donald Sterling on Tuesday morning. Silver also added that
"The owners have the authority subject to three-quarters vote, to remove him as owner," Silver said.
Here is the full press release
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has banned Donald Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers or the NBA, it was announced today at a press conference in Manhattan.
- Commissioner Silver has also fined Mr. Sterling $2.5 million, the maximum amount allowed under the NBA Constitution. The fine money will be donated to organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts that will be jointly selected by the NBA and the Players Association.
- As part of the lifetime ban, Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices, be present at any Clippers office or facility, or participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team. He will also be barred from attending NBA Board of Governors meetings and participating in any other league activity.
- Commissioner Silver also announced that he will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team.
- The discipline issued today is based on the Commissioner's conclusion that Mr. Sterling violated league rules through his expressions of offensive and hurtful views, the impact of which has been widely felt throughout the league.
The fine and the suspension are exactly what The Association needed. There's no place in the NBA for this kind of behavior and there's no doubt that Adam Silver had made a strong decision in what has been his first controversial situation as the head of the league.
