NEW YORK, April 29 (UPI) -- Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was banned for life by the NBA and fined $2.5 million in the wake of a released recording of him making racist statements to his mistress.
Basketball Commissioner Adam Silver took a hard line against Sterling, adding to the punishment meted out by his office a request to other NBA owners to force Sterling to sell the Clippers.
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Sterling was also banned from engaging with the team, including visiting its headquarters.
The NBA Players' Association responded positively to the move, as did some individual players.
Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting our beautiful and powerful league!! Great leader!! #BiggerThanBasketball #StriveForGreatness
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 29, 2014