Sixers Owner Releases Statement Supporting Adam SIlver

It was a monumental day in sports today as punishment was handed down to Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

In a press conference, NBA commissioner Adam Silver decided to ban Sterling from the NBA for life.

In addition to the ban, Sterling was assessed a $2.5 million fine and a suggestion has been made to the 29 other owners to force a sale of the team.

“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 make sure that happens,” Silver said in front of a full room of assembled reporters.

In order to achieve his force of sale punishment, Silver will need the support of 3/4 of the NBA owners, or 23 owners approval.

The Sixers released a statement supporting the decision:

Recorded conversations between Sterling and his estranged girlfriend were leaked over the weekend to TMZ, where Sterling is being heard chastising Stiviano for being seen at Clippers games with ‘black people.’

In today’s press conference, Silver confirmed that it was Sterling’s voice on the recordings and the NBA hired a forensics investigator as well, according to TMZ.

We have yet to hear from Donald Sterling and his response to these sanctions.