Donald Sterling Banned for Life From NBA for Racist Remarks, Fined

The Los Angeles Clippers owner will be fined $2.5 million

Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, has been banned for life from the NBA, Commissioner Adam Silver said on Tuesday at a news conference.

Sterling will also be fined $2.5 million dollars, the league maximum. The NBA will also recommended to the Board of Governors that Sterling be forced to sell the team, currently in the NBA Playoffs. “I fully expect to get the support from the owners to remove him,” Silver said at the press event.

Sterling was made aware of the punishment shortly before the press conference began, around 11:15 a.m. ET, Silver said. The Commissioner decided on the punishment this morning.

Also read: ESPN Biz Reporter on LA Clippers Sponsor Exodus: ‘I Don’t Think They Lost Much Money’

Silver provided the results of the NBA’s investigation into racist comments by owner Sterling at the New York City media event, held at the New York Hilton Midtown.

The National Basketball Association’s analysis confirmed that the voice in the tapings were indeed Sterling, and that the tape was not altered. Silver called the statements “Deeply offensive and harmful.”

During an interview with the NBA, Sterling acknowledged that it was his voice on the tape.

See video: Spike Lee Thinks Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Has ‘Mentality of a Slave Master’

The Clippers host the Golden State Warriors tonight for Game 5 at the Staples Center.

Sunday’s Game 4, which the Clippers lost on the road, was the highest-rated game of the young NBA Playoffs.

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