LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling banned for life from NBA

Posted on the LA Clippers website today

From USA Today: Denouncing Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's racist comments in strong language, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the league has banned Sterling for life and fined him $2.5 million.

"The central findings of the investigation are that the man whose voice is on the recordings ... is Mr. Sterling and that the hateful feelings are those of Mr. Sterling. The views expressed by Mr. Sterling are deeply disturbing and alarming," Silver said during a news conference Tuesday.

"As for Mr. Sterling's ownership interest in the Clippers," Silver said. "I will urge the board of governors to force a sale of the team and will do everything in my power to ensure that happens."

Silver said he made the decision to ban Sterling Tuesday morning and that he will begin immediately the process of trying to get Sterling to sell the team.

"This has been a painful moment for all members of the NBA family," Silver said.

Sliver said he didn't poll the owners, but did speak to several who he said supports the decision.

"The owners have the authority subject to three-quarters vote, to remove him as owner," Silver said.