NBA bans Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life

At his press conference in Manhattan Tuesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came down hard on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, banning Sterling from the league for life. Sterling is barred from attending NBA games or practices, being present at any Clippers office or facility, or participate in anything involving the business practices of the team. Sterling was also fined $2.5 million by the league, which is the maximum fine allowed by the league's bylaws.

Silver also said that he and the rest of the league would attempt to force Sterling to sell the Clippers. The NBA needs 3/4 of the owners to vote in favor of ousting Sterling in order for this to take place. Silver was visibly angered by Sterling's alleged comments.

"The alleged statements made by Mr. Sterling were deplorable and cannot be tolerated. Bigotry and hatred have no place in the NBA or any other arena of our society."

This all comes after an audio recording of a voice believed to be Sterling's making racist remarks was released by TMZ early Saturday morning. In a press conference later that day, Silver said that the

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league would conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the matter. Deadspin released additional audio Sunday.

In a statement released shortly after the NBA's announcement, the Clippers released a statement of their own.

"We wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision by the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver today. Now the healing process begins."

The news was extremely well-received throughout the NBA, from players, to owners, to fans. In fact, several people have already expressed their interest publicly in buying the Clippers once they're up for sale. Music mogul David Geffen is interested in teaming with Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and Oprah Winfrey, reportedly, while we've also heard from Floyd Mayweather, P. Diddy and Rick Ross.

The news was also clearly a weight off the shoulder of the Clippers players and coaches, as evidenced by the team's play in Tuesday's game five win over the Warriors.