Torii Hunter On Sterling: 'I Won't Forget But I'll Forgive Him'
The Associated Press
Reaction to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banning Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life Tuesday for racist remarks:
"Unfortunately, just to hear that about him saying that about other black people, black players or whatever it may be, it's just tough. ... I'm pretty sure he knew he was going to get punished. We all make mistakes. I won't forget but I'll forgive him." — Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter.
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"Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting our beautiful and powerful league!! Great leader!! #BiggerThanBasketball #StriveForGreatness" — the Miami Heat's LeBron James on Twitter.
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"We are one." — Clippers' website.
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"Commissioner Silver has made the right moves in response to this unfortunate absurd spectacle." — Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert on Twitter.
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"I applaud NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's swift and decisive response today. He sent a powerful message that there can be zero tolerance for racism and hatred in the NBA. I'm confident that the league, our players and our fans will move on from this stronger and more unified." — NBA great and Charlotte Bobcats owner Michael Jordan.
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"I hope that every bigot in this country sees what happened to Mr. Sterling and recognizes that if he can fall, so can you." — Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who is advising the players' union.
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"I felt the pressure on my players. Everyone was waiting for them to give a response. I kept thinking, 'They didn't do anything, yet they have to respond.' So Adam responded. I thought that that was the sigh of relief that we needed." — Clippers coach Doc Rivers.
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"The alleged statements made by Mr. Sterling were deplorable and cannot be tolerated. Bigotry and hatred have no place in the NBA or any other arena of our society." — NAACP statement.
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"Way to go, Commissioner Silver! The NBA stands for everybody!" — former star Shaquille O'Neal on Twitter.
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"This is a huge victory for those of us that stood against this ugly display of racism." — the Rev. Al Sharpton.
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"Standing ovation' for Commissioner Silver. Big time decision standing up for the league and it's players. Now, Gotta see it through."— Golden State guard Stephen Curry on Twitter. The Warriors are battling the Clippers in the playoffs.
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"We're all so fortunate to be part of a game that transcends these kinds of misguided ignorances. The beauty and ideals of our game will long outlive these kinds of things that should not happen."— Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle.
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"Credit to NBA players, the NBA community and Adam Silver for coming together and acting quickly. No room for racists in sport." — NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith.
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