NBA Commissioner Adam Silver promised swift action in what has been called a "defining moment" for the league
The NBA has fined and indefinitely suspended Clippers owner Donald Sterling amid its investigation into recorded comments allegedly made by Sterling, according to NBC News.
Sterling was fined $5 million, according to NBC News. The report comes before NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's scheduled press conference to discuss the league's investigation of racist comments allegedly made by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
The 11 a.m. PT news conference comes just hours before the Clippers are scheduled to play their first home game since the comments — part of a recorded conversation with a female companion posted on TMZ and Deadspin — came to light. NBC News has not been able to authenticate the audio tapes posted on TMZSports.com or the extended clips posted by Deadspin.
Silver, who has been on the job since Feb. 1, faces what has been called a "defining moment" for the NBA. He has said the league will "move extraordinarily quickly in our investigation," which has been conducted amid on- and off-court protests, backlash from Clippers sponsors and calls for action from current and former NBA stars. More protests are expected Tuesday afternoon at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles before the Game 5 playoff game between the Clippers and Golden State Warriors.
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The NBA has not provided details regarding Silver's announcement, but the commissioner said over the weekend that he has broad authority regarding team ownership issues. Whether those powers extend to relieving Sterling — the 80-year-old owner bought the Clippers in 1981 — of team ownership remain unclear. Ownership revocation would likely lead to a legal battle.
Sacramento Mayor and special adviser to the National Basketball Player's Association Kevin Johnson said Monday that players are calling for the most "severe sanction possible."
Johnson, who called the decision a "defining moment" for the NBA, was asked during the "Today" interview whether the league can strip Sterling of his team ownership.
"I think it's a good question," Johnson said. "From the players' standpoint, whatever the maximum that's allowable is what we want the commissioner to impose.
"It's very clear that all of our players in the league want to explore the option," he added. "What player exactly would want to play for this owner?"
The penalty handed down by the league could involve a suspension, which would bar Sterling from attending games or team functions. Sterling did not attend Game 4 of the playoff series with Golden State in Oakland.
Sterling, worth a reported $1.9 billion, also could face a substantial fine.
The NBA constitution is not public, though it is understood the commissioner's powers are broad when it comes to dealing with matters deemed "prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of basketball."
The National NAACP requested Tuesday a meeting with Silver to discuss the investigation. Roslyn M. Brock, the chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, said the National NAACP wants to talk to Silver about what it calls, "the influence and impact of racism in the National Basketball Association."
The request comes a day after the organization's Los Angeles chapter announced Sterling would not be receiving a lifetime achievement honor he was slated to accept at an awards event next month.
V. Stiviano, the woman identified by her attorney as the female heard on the recording at the center of
the investigation, told NBC4 from behind a reflective visor outside her home Monday that she has no comment. The man heard in the recording can be heard criticizing the woman identified as Stiviano for posting online about bringing black friends to games. The man is also heard chastising the woman for posting a photo on Instagram with Lakers great and Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson.
the investigation, told NBC4 from behind a reflective visor outside her home Monday that she has no comment. The man heard in the recording can be heard criticizing the woman identified as Stiviano for posting online about bringing black friends to games. The man is also heard chastising the woman for posting a photo on Instagram with Lakers great and Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson.
Stiviano's attorney said she did not leak the recording to the media.
Johnson said Monday that he is disappointed, hurt and outraged by the comments.
"First, my name being associated, he singled me out personally," Johnson said. "Then he singled out African-Americans. Again, I'm always gonna fight for myself as well as my people."
Andy Roeser, the Clippers' president, released the following statement: "Mr. Sterling is emphatic that what is reflected on that recording is not consistent with, nor does it reflect his views, beliefs or feelings. It is the antithesis of who he is, what he believes and how he has lived his life."
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