A Life Ban And A Fine OF $2.5M Is Clipper's Owner, Sterling's Punishment For Racist Comment

Basketball Commissioner, Adam Silver, slapped Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling with a lifetime ban from the sport and a $2.5 million fine Tuesday over racist remarks attributed to Sterling.

Silver said the National Basketball Association "will begin immediately" to force Sterling to sell the team, which he has owned since the 1980s. Sterling admitted it was his voice on the recording, but expressed no remorse for the remarks, Silver said.

　

"Sentiments of this kind are contrary to the principles of inclusion and respect that form the foundation of our diverse, multicultural and multi-ethnic league," Silver said. Regardless of whether Sterling's views were expressed in private, "They are now public and they reflect his views."



　

The fine is the maximum that can be imposed under NBA rules. Under the ban, Sterling can't go to games, attend practices, make decisions regarding the team or attend NBA meetings, and Silver said NBA owners are expected to provide the three-quarters vote needed to force Sterling to sell the team.

Before Tuesday's announcement, the head of the league's players association had called for Silver to hit Sterling with the most severe penalties.

　

"When a hint of cancer is shown, you have to cut it out immediately, and I feel that's where the players are today," Kevin Johnson, the former all-star who is the chairman of the National Basketball Players Association's executive committee, told CNN's "Erin Burnett OutFront."

Johnson said the players trust that the new commissioner, on the job for less than three months, will find the right penalties for Sterling.

"They don't think he's worthy to be an owner," said Johnson, also the mayor of Sacramento, "so whether there's a sanction that includes a suspension, whether there's a sanction that includes a hefty fine ... the players feel very strongly that he's not fit to be an owner and a part of this NBA family."

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti praised the announcement.

　

"Those are exactly the sorts of strong statements we need to stand up against these hateful comments," Garcetti said.....CNN