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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has banned Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life after making racist comments in a voice recording obtained by TMZ.

In a conversation with a woman thought to be his girlfriend, Sterling demands that he didn’t like that she posted a photo with Magic Johnson on Instagram, and didn’t want her bringing Johnson to Clippers games. “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?” Mr. Sterling asks the woman on the tape. Since the release of Sterling’s comments, numerous NBA owners and players have condemned them.

Silver sent an email to subscribers of the NBA newsletter this morning outlining the course of action the association has taken in response to Sterling’s actions. As a repercussion of Sterling’s words, he has been banned for life from any association with the Clippers or the NBA, may not attend any NBA games or practices, be present at the Clippers office or facility or participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team.

Sterling was also hit with a whopping $2.5 million fine, which is the maximum amount allowed under the NBA Constitution. These funds will be donated to charitable organizations committed to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts.

The penalties, which were announced only three days after the scandal broke, are the harshest ever issued by the league and among the strictest punishments ever given to an owner in professional sport.

In the past, Sterling has faced extensive federal charges of civil rights violations and racial discrimination in his business dealings, and has also been sued for sexual harassment by former employees.

“When you get this many Lakers to stand up for the Clippers, you know something big is happening in LA”, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement. “We are a single team here today, a team not only speaking out for what we’re against – racism, bigotry, intolerance – but what we’re for. We’re for great basketball.”

Below is the email sent to subscribers of the NBA newsletter:

NBA

Dear Fans,

This afternoon I announced that, following the completion of a thorough investigation into an audio recording obtained by TMZ, I banned Donald Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers or the NBA, effective immediately. Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices, be present at any Clippers office or facility, or participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team. I also fined Mr. Sterling $2.5 million, the maximum amount allowed under the NBA Constitution. These funds will be donated to charitable organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts that will be jointly selected by the NBA and its Players Association.

The views expressed by Mr. Sterling are deeply offensive and hurtful. I am extremely proud of this great league’s diverse, respectful and inclusive culture, and we will not allow one individual’s intolerant views to define us. Let me be clear: Mr. Sterling’s views have no place in the NBA.

This has been a painful episode for all members of the NBA family. I very much appreciate your understanding during this process. I also want to express my thanks and admiration to Coach Doc Rivers, Chris Paul, and the entire Clippers organization for their professionalism throughout this matter, and to Chris and Mayor Kevin Johnson for their leadership and partnership on behalf of the Players Association.

And now I am eager to turn the spotlight back where it belongs: on the game we all love and on these thrilling playoffs, which have been some of the most exciting basketball I’ve seen in my 22 years with the league. I hope you enjoy the rest of the playoffs and The Finals.

Sincerely,

Adam Silver

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