Donald Sterling BANNED From NBA For LIFE, Fined $2.5 Million

On Tuesday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life and fined him $2.5 million, the maxium amount allowed by the NBA constitution. Silver also said he will urge the league’s Board of Governors to force the sale of the team. Sterling is only the latest pro sports owner to be punished, and none was ever punished so severely. A selective look back.


Silver says he spoke to several players, coaches and owners before deciding on the lifetime ban.

As for the ban, Sterling will not be allowed to attend any NBA games or practices ever again ... and will not be permitted inside any team facilities.

The $2.5 million fine will be donated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts.

Silver says the ban will only pertain to Donald -- and not to his family members.

During the news conference, Silver said he was "personally outraged" by Sterling's comments.

Silver says ... during the investigation, Sterling confirmed he made the racist comments.

Silver noted, "The hateful opinions are those of Mr. Sterling.  The views expressed by Mr. Sterling are deeply offensive and harmful."

TMZ Sports broke the story ... Sterling told V. Stiviano he did not want her to bring black people to Clippers games, including Magic Johnson.

Magic has tweeted that he is "very happy and satisfied" with Silver's decision.

Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/29/nba-commish-adam-silver-deciding-donald-sterling-fate-livestream-l-a-clippers/#ixzz30K7HurKo