Duke graduate and current NBA commissioner Adam Silver made a historic move Tuesday afternoon when he levied a lifetime ban and $2.5 million fine against Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling following racist comments captured on tape that have taken the sports world by storm.
The audio was reported by TMZ Friday April 25 and included several revolting comments regarding Sterling’s views regarding then-girlfriend V. Stiviano's public appearances with African Americans, including former Laker star Magic Johnson.
In the tape—which was authenticated by the NBA's independent investigation—Sterling is speaking with Stiviano and tells her he does not mind if she spends time with African Americans in private but not to bring them to NBA games or post pictures with them on her Instagram.
“You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on [Instagram]... and not to bring them to my games," Sterling said. "Don't put [Johnson] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And don't bring him to my games."
Since being uncovered by TMZ, the tape has created a wave of anger and disgust from current and former NBA players, coaches and owners, with many calling for Sterling to be kicked out of the league.
Silver hit Sterling with the largest fine possible and urged the Board of Governors to vote him out of ownership. In order for that to happen, three-fourths of the owners would have to vote against Sterling.
"I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners I need to remove him," Silver said at the press conference.
Silver graduated from Duke in 1984 before attending law school at the University of Chicago. He got his start with the NBA as President and Chief Operating Office of NBA Entertainment in 1998. Silver officially took over as full-time commissioner Feb. 1 after serving as former NBA commissioner David Stern’s special assistant.
Following Silver's announcement, NBA stars from around the league voiced their support for the commissioner, who is still in his first 100 days in office:
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