Magic Johnson, NBA Stars, Fans React To Sterling Lifetime Ban
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angles sports icons, local leaders, and fans alike took to social media Tuesday to react to the NBA's announcement of a lifetime ban for Clippers owner Donald Sterling over racist comments he made.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: CLIPPERS OWNER CONTROVERSY
Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who was specifically named in the audio recording of a conversation between Sterling and a woman identified as "V. Stiviano", was among several high-profile celebrities who expressed satisfaction with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's ruling.
Former and current NBA players are very happy and satisfied with Commissioner Silver's ruling.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2014
Bravo Silver
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 29, 2014
Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting our beautiful and powerful league!! Great leader!! #BiggerThanBasketball #StriveForGreatness
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 29, 2014
Commissioner Silver....STRONG...way to take charge and protect our great league.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 29, 2014
Watching Adam Silver's Press Conference! Appreciate you man! #LAfamilia #greatjob #support
— Jodie Meeks (@Jmeeks20) April 29, 2014
Great job Adam Silver! #Salute
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) April 29, 2014
'Standing ovation' for Commissioner Silver. Big time decision standing up for the league and it's players. Now, Gotta see it through
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) April 29, 2014
Strong leadership from Commissioner Silver! He has my full support.
— David Robinson (@DavidtheAdmiral) April 29, 2014
Nothing but respect for commissioner Silver
— Ed Davis (@eddavisXVII) April 29, 2014
Commissioner Silver, FANTASTIC!!! New Sheriff lays down the law, kudos... Honest n precise.. #BANNEDForLife
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) April 29, 2014
Thank You, Commissioner Silver for doing precisely wanted NEEDED to be done. The message has been sent.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 29, 2014
Sitting with some of NBA's greats as Commissioner Silver does the right thing. #oneLA pic.twitter.com/sQCvcW0uWt
— Eric Garcetti (@ericgarcetti) April 29, 2014
The NAACP applauded the move and announced they would be developing guidelines "to help [members] in their award selection process."
#NAACP applauds @NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's decision to ban Donald Sterling from NBA for life http://t.co/1q6Sn45g86
— NAACP (@NAACP) April 29, 2014
Great job Adam.The @NBA is in good hands. You have my full support.
— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) April 29, 2014
PHOTOS: NBA Shows Support Of LA Clippers In Wake Of Donald Sterling Controversy
Other organizations released their own statements following the announcement.
Lakers: "In my statement yesterday, I said I had full confidence in Adam Silver and how he and the NBA would handle this situation. In today's announcement, Adam was decisive, firm and compelling and showed great leadership in his condemnation of the horrible and offensive comments that have led to this action," Lakers President Jeanie Buss said.
State Farm: "State Farm applauds and supports the NBA's swift and decisive action regarding the Clippers' owner. We echo Commissioner Silver in that we also are proud of Chris Paul's leadership in this issue. State Farm reaffirms its support of the NBA, Chris Paul and the 'Born to Assist' campaign. At this time, we are continuing the pause of our sponsorship of the Clippers organization as we evaluate this ongoing situation."