NBA Commissioner Adam Silver didn’t waste any time handing down the league’s decision on the fate of Donald Sterling’s future with the Los Angeles Clippers and the NBA. Silver held a news conference to announce he is banning Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organization or the NBA. The ban is effective immediately. Sterling is

also ordered to pay a $2.5 million dollar fine, the maximum under the NBA constitution. In regards to actual ownership of the team, the commissioner stated “I will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team and will do everything in my power to ensure that that happens.” Reaction has been swift. The NAACP says the commissioner’s decision is welcomed and supported. “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.” Prior to today’s announcement, the NAACP rescinded a planned award for Sterling who has donated money for years to the organization’s Los Angeles chapter. Civil rights activists had planned to protest outside Staples Center hours before tonight’s playoff game between the Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. Two NBA lawyers have authenticated the audio recordings purportedly of Sterling on a racial rant with his ex-girlfriend V.Stiviano, 31 aka Vanessa. He is heard demanding her not to go to the games or be seen in public or on social media with black people, including Magic Johnson. Johnson is among countless celebrities who are applauding the NBA’s immediate action to ban Sterling for life. At least 12 major sponsors have cut ties with the LA Clippers, including CarMax, Virgin America, Red Bull, Kia and Adidas.