New York, NY, April 29, 2014 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the decision by the National Basketball Association banning Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life and fining him $2.5 million in response to racist remarks attributed to him. It is the most severe punitive action the NBA has ever taken against an owner.
“The NBA’s actions send an important message in a high-profile case that racism and hatred, especially from public figures, is unacceptable,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “The NBA has made clear that there is a high price to be paid for such inappropriate and reprehensible behavior.”
Mr. Foxman added: “We strongly concur with Commissioner Adam Silver’s unequivocal statement that there is no place in the NBA for racism, bigotry and hatred. We also support the commissioner’s step to ask the team owners to consider forcing Donald Sterling to sell the team.”
Such a decision would require a three-fourths vote by the owners.