Clippers Website Says Simply ‘We Are One’ After NBA Bans Donald Sterling (Photo)

Team sends a clear message after owner’s racist remarks

LA Clippers

Moments after NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced on Tuesday that Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling would be banned from the league for life, the entire content of the team’s entire website was replaced with the message, “We are one.”

The decision — reminiscent of the simple tribute that Apple posted to co-founder Steve Jobs posted on the day of this death — was a declaration of team unity in the midst of an internal crisis.

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

Sterling was recorded telling his girlfriend didn’t want her to bring black people to Clippers games (among other things). The audio was leaked Saturday, his 80th birthday.

Sterling will be fined $2.5 million dollars by the league, which will also recommended to the Board of Governors that Sterling be forced to sell the team, currently in the NBA Playoffs.

See video: Oprah Rips Donald Sterling: ‘The Plantation Days are Over!’

The team could have used its site to promote its strong season and upcoming games — but opted instead to make a statement.

On Monday, Clippers coach Doc Rivers expressed disappointment in Sterling, but asked for fans of the team to continue to support the players.

See video: Jimmy Kimmel Uses Confusing Donald Sterling Question to Worry Strangers They’re Being Racist

“I would like to reiterate how disappointed I am in the comments attributed to [Donald Sterling] and I can’t even begin to tell you how upset I am and our players are,” Rivers said in a statement.  “We know that fans are in a dilemma as well. We want them to cheer for their players and their team. It will always be their players and their team. From the fans that I have heard from, that’s how they feel.”

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