Donald Sterling racist comments aftermath leads to the lifetime ban of Donald Sterling from the NBA, with unprecedented sanctions and a fine for $25 million against the Clippers owner, a slew of rumors followed as tweets surfaced from NBA heavy-weights.
Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA, referred to Sterling's "racist comments as "deeply offensive" and "hateful," Reuters reported.
Silver acquiesced that he expects other owners in the game to get the support of Clippers owners to proceed with Sterling's lifetime ban.
"I believe the players will be satisfied with the decision," Silver said.
A Reuters report said, "The NBA conducted a three-day investigation following the leak of a recording of him telling his former mistress, V. Stiviano, that he doesn't want her bringing black people to games, among other racist statements."
Silver said in his announcement of the ban that he has forensic people have confirmed Sterling's voice on the tape and that it has not been modified. The $2.5 million is the maximum fine allotted under the Constitution of the NBA.
NBA.com updated its site with the following statement to show their solidarity in their ruling.
The Clippers updated the team website Tuesday to simply read "We Are One" and released a statement:"We wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision by the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver today. Now the healing process begins."
The Boston Celtics managing partners said in a statement, "The entire Boston Celtics organization and our ownership group fully support the decisive action taken by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today. The Celtics stand for inclusion and equality, and we are proud to be a part of a league that shares the same values."
Magic Johnson who was shown in a photo with Sterling's girlfriend was one of the figures that Sterling asked her not to associate with. Later, in an attempt to apologize on CNN with Anderson Cooper, he made things worse by saying that Johnson was not a good role model for American kids because he was HIV+.
Earvin Magic Johnson@MagicJohnson tweeted:
- Commissioner Silver showed great leadership in banning LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life.
- Former and current NBA players are very happy and satisfied with Commissioner Silver's ruling.
- Current and former NBA players now know that in Commissioner Adam Silver we have a great leader leading our league.
- Now let's hope that the other 29 owners do the right thing.
- The people who I'm happiest for are Coach Doc Rivers, the Clippers players and fans.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets said, "Today's announcement by Commissioner Silver sends a strong message that racism and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in the NBA family. The Nets organization welcomes and fully supports the decision and remains committed to tolerance and respect for all."
Among the sponsors, the Mercedes Benz spokesperson told The Huffington Post it ""has moved to cease its sponsorship of the Clippers effective immediately."
A representative of Virgin America said it is ending its relationship with the Clippers following the Sterling-Racism Debacle.
Adidas spokeswoman Lauren Lamkin was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying their sponsorship includes "rights to signs around the Staples Center, Jumbotron displays and other promotional material." Adidas said it will temporarily replace its ads and logos with Clippers' logos and the slogan "We Are One," which the team has adopted in response to Sterling's comments.
Andrew Briggs, YTC Director said, "Yokohama applauds NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's leadership and actions by banning from any association with the team or NBA. Adding, ""With the Clippers' agreement, we have found a way to continue moving forward and give back to the community and our fellow Clipper fans."
In a statement announcing the lifetime ban from the NBA, the basketball association released the following statement:
"NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has banned Donald Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers or the NBA, it was announced today at a press conference in Manhattan.
Commissioner Silver has also fined Mr. Sterling $2.5 million, the maximum amount allowed under the NBA Constitution. 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.
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.
Commissioner Silver also announced that he will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team.
The discipline issued today is based on the Commissioner's conclusion that Mr. Sterling violated league rules through his expressions of offensive and hurtful views, the impact of which has been widely felt throughout the league," reports Buzzfeed.
The NBA also announced that Los Angeles Clippers President Andy Roeser will take a leave of absence from the team effective immediately, although it did not respond to questions about why Roeser would be leaving.
"This will provide an opportunity for a new CEO to begin on a clean slate and for the team to stabilize under difficult circumstances," said Mike Bass, NBA, Executive Vice President, Communications.
According to a report by ESPN said the NBA would be leading the search for a new CEO.
With Reports By Reuters, Buzzfeed, ESPN
