SHOCKED & PLEASED!
Those were my feelings today when NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, announced that Clippers' owner, Donald Sterling was being banned for life from the team and the league. In his first real test as commissioner, Silver stepped up! He was decisive and authoritative and made it very clear that he will be a "no nonsense" commissioner.
I expected Sterling to be suspended and fined. I did not expect a lifetime ban even though it was warranted. Silver is also pushing for a vote of the NBA's owners to remove Sterling as the Clippers's owner. That is a bold move which brings with it many questions. Here are just a few.
1. Will Sterling fight the NBA in court? If so, how long could that
process take?
2. With Sterling "banned", who is "calling the shots" in
Clipperland right now?
3. Can Sterling family members still own, and run, the team?
If so,how does the NBA make sure that Donald is not involved
in the decision making?
Here is a copy of a letter that Adam Silver sent out after making his momentous announcement today.
|
|
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,
-
It is time to let the healing begin and let the "hooping" get back to center stage. Ironically,last night I watched the movie "Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom". I was touched by the closing quote from this great man. It was a quote that seemed to speak volumes about the Sterling situation and race relations in general.
--
|
|
" No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate and if they can learn to hate they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."
**
No comments:
Post a Comment