NBA Bans Clippers Owner Donald Sterling For Life
BOSTON (CBS) -- The NBA has come down hard on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
The NBA banned Sterling from the league and will force a sale of the team after it concluded its investigation into racist comments made by the owner, NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.
"I'll do everything in my power to ensure that happens," Silver said Tuesday. "I fully expect to get the support I need from other NBA owners."
As part of the lifetime ban, Sterling cannot 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.
Sterling was also fined $2.5 million -- the maximum amount allowed by the NBA. The money will be donated to organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts.
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The 80-year-old Clippers owner was allegedly recorded during a phone conversation with his mistress, V. Stiviano, and reportedly made racist remarks after Stiviano, who is of African-American and Mexican descent, posted a photograph of herself with Lakers Hall of Famer Magic Johnson on Instagram. The photo has since been removed.
"We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterling's views," Silver said. "They simply have no place in the NBA."
The Clippers will take on the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night at the Staples Center in Game 5 of their playoff series. A large protest will be held prior to the game by several civil rights groups, including the NAACP, calling for a boycott of the team.
Felger & Massarotti: Credit The NBA For Swift, Decisive Action On Donald Sterling:
NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) and Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. (Getty Images)
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