Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been fined $2.5 million and suspended by the NBA for life.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made the announcement Tuesday.
Sterling was recorded making racial comments and the tape was made public last week. The comments were made during a conversation between Sterling and his girlfriend, who recorded the conversation without Sterling’s knowledge.
“The views expressed by Mr. Sterling are deeply offensive and harmful,” Silver said at Tuesday’s press conference. “That the came from a NBA owner only heightens the damage and my personal outrage.”
Silver confirmed in a press conference Tuesday that the voice on the tape was that of Sterling.
Sterling, who purchased the franchise in 1981 for $12.5 million, is not allowed to attend games, practices or any Clippers facilities. Sterling is also banned from the Board of Governors meetings.
“We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterling’s views,” Silver said. “They simply have no place in the NBA. This league is far bigger than any one owner, any one coach and any one player.”
The $2.5 million fine will be donated to organizations promoting anti-discrimination. Silver added that he will urge the Board of Governors to force a sale of the Clippers.
