[projekktor id=’12682′]
(Update)
The NBA has taken strong action after a team owners racist comments were made public. In an unprecidented move — L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling is now banned from the NBA — for life. The league commissioner made the announcement Tuesday — saying Donald Sterling’s comments were “hateful — deeply offensive — and harmful.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver — who is less than a year into his job after taking over for long time Commissioner David Stern — wants that. But the only way Donald Sterling can be forced to sell the Clippers is if three-quarters of the NBA owners agree with him. Silver says he is confident he will get the votes he needs.
Sterling, who is worth 1.9 billion dollars was also fined $2.5 million — the maximum allowed under the NBA’s constitution — on top of his lifetime ban. That money will be donated to anti-discrimination organizations. Here is a portion of what the commissioner had to say:
“The views expressed by Mr. Sterling are deeply offensive and harmful. That they came from a NBA owner only heightens the damage and my personal outrage. Sentiments of this kind are contrary to the principles of inclusion and respect that form the foundation of our diverse, multicultural, and multiethnic league. My message to the Clippers’ fans is this league is far bigger than any one owner, any one coach, any one player.”
Many players have been speaking out since the NBA made its rulings. And most seem pleased with the hard stance taken. Canadian NBA star Steve Nash called this day a proud one:
“I think today is a very proud moment, not only for the players’ association, current and former players, the NBA and as a father of three and member of this community, I want to thank both mayors, the players’ association, and Adam Silver for quick unequivocal, and concise decision made today on behalf of everyone involved in this situation.”
Commissioner Silver seemed to exercise every avenue available to him to punish Donald Sterling. We spoke to Hamiltonians to see what they thought of the penalty.
“I agree 100% and I also think they should take his ownership from him, racism it shouldn’t be in the league it shouldn’t be anywhere.”
“I don’t think it was strong enough they shold have fined him more.”
“I think he got what he deserved.”
The Raptors will play the Brooklyn Nets this Wednesday at the Air Canada Centre. And as a sign of solidarity, they are planning to make some kind of gesture. But we aren’t sure what that is yet. It seems all across the league, the Clippers are well supported.
