NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has just announced a $2.5 million fine against Donald Sterling and has banned his for life from participation with all activities wih the Clippers and the NBjA. Also, Silver will recommend to he owners that they vote to force Sterling to sell the team based on the fact that Siliver has reported that Sterling has admitted that the voice on the tape is his. These remarks are are contrary to the values and respect for diversity held by the NBA.
Update: Added after Press Conference:
Donald Sterling: NBA Banned for life
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced a lifetime ban from the NBA for the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers after he was recorded making a series of racist comments that sparked a controversy that transcended the sports world. Silver, in his first season as league commissioner, apologized on behalf of the NBA for the offensive comments made by Sterling. He also revealed his intent to force Sterling to eventually sell the franchise.
“Effective immediately, I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organization or the NBA,” Silver said during a press conference in New York on Tuesday afternoon. “Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices. He may not be present at any Clippers facility. He may not participate in any business or player personnel decisions.”
Prior to the press conference I found this recent article as background.
How will NBA's Adam Silver punish Donald Sterling?
On the eve of the NBA playoffs 10 days ago, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver proclaimed the game in great shape.
On the court, it is. The playoffs have been outstanding — already seven overtime games (an NBA record for one round) and several others decided in the final minutes of regulation.
Silver had no idea then an audio recording, allegedly of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, uttering racist comments was about to interrupt and overshadow a compelling start to the postseason and possibly damage the league's reputation.
11:20 AM PT: Adam Silver has banned Donald Silver from all NBA from all NBA activities, games, decisions about players, or decision about players, and will recommend that the NBA pursue every option to get him to sell the team.
11:21 AM PT: In response to a reporter's question he said a vote of 3/4 of the owners can force Sterling to sell the team.
11:25 AM PT: Silver says Sterling acknowledged it was his voice on the tape.
CNN announced just before he came out the finding was a $5 million fine and infinite suspension. So for about 1 minute that was the title I had up. It is correct now
11:37 AM PT: When asked if Sterling could still be an "absentee" owner profiting from his ownership if the owners do not get the 3/4 vote to force him to sell. Silver responded that he fully expects to get the full cooperation of the owners in this matter.