Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Banned For Life From NBA; Fined $2.5 Million
NEW YORK (CBS) -- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life from the NBA and fined him $2.5 million.
Silver confirmed that the voice on the recording was in fact Sterling's voice.
"The views expressed by Mr. Sterling are deeply offensive and harmful, that they came from an NBA owner only heightens the damage and my personal outrage," Silver said in a press conference on Tuesday. "I am personally distraught that the views expressed by Mr. Sterling came from within an institution that has historically taken such a leadership role in matters of race relations and caused current and former players, coaches, fans and partners of the NBA to question their very association with the league."
"Accordingly, effective immediately, I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from any association with the Clipper organization or the NBA," Silver continued. "Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices, he may not be present at any Clippers facility, and he may not participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team."
Listen to press conference...
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
Silver also explained he will push for Sterling to sell the team.
"I will urge the board of governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team and will do everything in my power to ensure that that happens," Silver said.
Philadelphia 76ers Managing Owner Josh Harris, released the following statement:
"The Philadelphia 76ers completely support NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. As I have previously stated, there is no place for any type of discrimination in our society, and those hurtful and ignorant comments are contrary to the core values and beliefs of our ownership group and organization."
A three-fourths vote is required by the owners to force the billionaire to sell his team. That process is underway.
Meantime the Clippers carried the weight of the day's events into Tuesday night's Game 5 of the NBA playoffs against Golden State.
"He made a decision that really was a right one that had to be made. I don't think this is something that we rejoice in or anything like that," Los Angeles Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers said.
COMPLETE COVERAGE FROM CBS LOS ANGELES: The Donald Sterling Controversy
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/category/donald-sterling-scandal/
