BASKETBALL: Sterling ban for life for racial outburst

Donald Sterling.

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling
has been banned for life and heavily fined by
the National Basketball Association (NBA)
over racist comments he made.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told a news
conference that Sterling was fined $2.5m and
suspended from the league for life in the wake
of his rant - in which he told his girlfriend he
did not want her to bring black friends to
Clippers games.
Sterlings's comments have triggered outrage
in the United States with NBA stars and
President Barack Obama condemning them.
Silver said: "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.
"We stand together in condemning Mr
Sterling's views. They simply have no place in
the NBA."
Silver said Sterling had admitted it was his
voice in the recording, which was posted on
the website TMZ over the weekend.
Sterling is immediately barred from attending
any NBA games or practices, be present at any
Clippers office or facility, or participate in any
business or player personnel decisions
involving the team.
He also cannot participate in any league
business going forward.
"This league is far bigger than any one owner,
any one coach and any one player," Silver
said.
Silver said he will urge the NBA owners to
exercise their authority to force Sterling to sell
the team, which is valued by Forbes magazine
at $575 million.
Sterling bought the club in 1981 for $12
million.
Sterling's ban has been welcomed by NBA
stars past and present.
Magic Johnson was at the centre of Sterling's
original comments to his girlfriend as she has
posted a photograph of herself with the NBA
legend.
"Commissioner Silver showed great
leadership in banning LA Clippers owner
Donald Sterling for life," he tweeted.
"Current and former NBA players now know
that in Commissioner Adam Silver we have a
great leader leading our league."
Miami Heat star man LeBron James tweeted:
"Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting
our beautiful and powerful league!! Great
leader!! #BiggerThanBasketball
#StriveForGreatness."
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban added: "I
agree 100% with Commissioner Silvers
findings and the actions taken against Donald
Sterling."