A dark cloud was put over the basketball world this weekend when an audio recording of Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers was released by TMZ. The recording was Sterling talking to his girlfriend in which Mr. Sterling made multiple racist comments. The comments were made in a private phone call, but the tape is public now and those comments are out there for anyone to hear.
Today, the dark cloud was lifted by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Silver has been the commissioner since February 1 when took over from David Stern. February 1 might have been when Silver started the job, but today was the day he became the Commissioner.
Commissioner Silver banned Donald Sterling from the NBA for life. He levied a $2.5 million fine on Sterling. He said Sterling could not be around the team, its facilities, its business or have anything to do with player personnel decisions. He said that he would appeal to the other 29 owners to force Sterling to sell the Clippers. I've heard that all of the owner's have issued statements supporting the Commissioner.
Adam Silver was awesome. He was calm, authoritative and well spoken. He demonstrated leadership and took a stand and made his position - the league's position - clear. I was impressed. I was moved. I was proud.
It's 2014. There is no place for intolerance regarding race, gender, sexual preference or religion in today's society.
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