Basketball mogul banned from attending basketball for life after racist rant

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life from the NBA and fined $2.5million after a racist conversation was leaked.

17:23 30 April 2014

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was the centre of controversy after American network TMZ broadcast the 80-year-old telling a girlfriend not to bring black people to the team’s games. His comments resulted to Clippers players making a silent protest and financial backers withdrawing their support. 

 

Sterling has been banned for life from the NBA and was fined $2.5 million dollars for his action. you can find more information about NBA Rules on the pro basketball troops website.

 

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said at a news conference: "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.

 

"Sentiments of this kind are contrary to the principles of inclusion and respect that form the foundation of our diverse, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic league.

 

"I am personally distraught that the views expressed by Mr Sterling came from within an institution that has historically taken such a leadership role in matters of race relations, and caused current and former players, coaches, fans and partners of the NBA to question their very association with the league.

 

"To them - and pioneers of the game, like Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper, Sweetwater Clifton, the great Bill Russell and particularly Magic Johnson - I apologise."