Congratulations to the NBA for their swift and decisive action against Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling following his racist remarks in the past week. The NBA have banned Sterling from the game for life.
The NBA are to be applauded for their swift action, it has been just three days since a recording surfaced of Sterling urging his girlfriend not to publicly associate with blacks. NBA commissioner Adam Silver removed the 80-year-old billionaire from the league and then urged owners to start the process of forcing him to sell the team.
“The views expressed by Mr Sterling are deeply offensive and harmful. That they came from an NBA owner only heightens the damage and my personal outrage.” The punishment following a lightning-fast probe into the controversy means Sterling cannot attend any NBA games or workouts, appear at any Clippers office or facility, or make any business or personnel decisions for the club.” Silver told a press conference in New York.
Sterling was also fined $2.5 million and banned from all league activity. Silver also stated that several owners had supported the NBA’s actions and that they will now urge the NBA owners to exercise their authority to force Sterling to sell the team, which Forbes magazine valued at $575 million; Sterling paid $12million for the franchise in 1981.
The players of the LA Clippers also sent a bold and brave message to their owner the other night in their play off game when they turned their uniforms inside out after Sterling made his discomfort with African Americans very clear. Many are comparing it to the stance taken by Tommie Smith and John Carlos on the medal podium at the 1968 Olympic Games. The one thing it did show was solidarity amongst the team and that no one will tolerate such views in modern sport.
Hopefully the NBA have sent a message that this sport does not want racist bigots at its games!
Can’t help feeling he was set up. However NBA reacted swiftly, one has the feeling this is going to hang around for a lot longer.
Have to say the courts or lawyers should go after the media outlets for purchasing an illegal recording. The media have stoked the fires of this and caused the most harm.