The hammer has come down hard on Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers who was heard on an audio recording making racist comments.
Sterling, 81, has been banned for life by NBA commissioner Adam Silver and fined $2.5 million. The fine money will be donated to organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts that will be jointly selected by the NBA and the Players Association. It represents the largest amount the NBC commissioner can fine anyone.
“Effective immediately, I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organization or the NBA,” said Silver during a news conference in New York.
“As part of the lifetime ban, Mr. Sterling may not 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,” said Silver.
Silver confirmed in the press conference that the voice on the recording was Sterling’s.
Additionally Silver will attempt to force Sterling to sell the Clippers.
