With much of the national discourse centering on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, the reality of the matter is that a lifetime ban and a $2.5 million fine is the limit to what NBA commissioner Adam Silver is capable of doing. The rest falls on the shoulders of 29 team owners, as they—according to the NBA’s Constitution and By-Laws—must vote with a 3/4’s majority to force the sale of the team.
Players, media pundits and people all across the nation have weighed in with their opinions, but all that matters at this time is the thoughts of 29 men and their business partners.
While only time will tell if the NBA team owners decide to walk that “slippery slope” (as previously mentioned by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban), these are their thoughts at this current time.
Atlanta Hawks Managing Partner Bruce Levenson:
I commend Commissioner Adam Silver in being diligent in how he handled this important matter. He acted swiftly and appropriately with the severity of the penalty and I strongly support his decision.”
The entire Boston Celtics organization and our ownership group fully support the decisive action taken by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver today. The Celtics stand for inclusion and equality, and we are proud to be a part of a league that shares the same values.”
Today’s announcement by Commissioner Silver sends a strong message that racism and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated in the NBA family. The Nets organization welcomes and fully supports the decision and remains committed to tolerance and respect for all. We can all be proud that the reaction throughout the NBA – from players, management, ownership and fans – has been unequivocal and united in condemning the scourge of racism.
I look at this from two perspectives – as a current owner and a former player. As an owner, I’m obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views. I’m confident that Adam Silver will make a full investigation and take appropriate action quickly. As a former player, I’m completely outraged. There is no room in the NBA – or anywhere else – for the kind of racism and hatred that Mr. Sterling allegedly expressed. I am appalled that this type of ignorance still exists within our country and at the highest levels of our sport. In a league where the majority of players are African-American, we cannot and must not tolerate discrimination at any level.”
Chicago Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf:
We completely support Commissioner Silver’s decision today regarding Clippers owner Donald Sterling, and praise him for his prompt investigation and action. The Commissioner was correct to ban Mr. Sterling from all official NBA business, to levy the stiffest allowable fine, and we will support his recommendation to press for Mr. Sterling to relinquish his ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers franchise. We believe Commissioner Silver’s decision reflects the best interests of the NBA and public civility.
“The league’s decision underscores the severity and reprehensible nature of the comments attributed to Donald Sterling. These comments in no way reflect the attitude, values, and culture of the Bulls and White Sox organizations. This behavior cannot be tolerated in any form.
“Discrimination and prejudice of any kind have no place in sports or in our society.”
Cleveland Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert:
It is shocking that anyone could hold the kind of offensive and feeble minded views that are being attributed allegedly to the Clippers owner, Donald Sterling. The diverse staff members of the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise are unified in encouraging Commissioner Silver and the NBA to respond with swift and appropriate action consistent with a strong zero tolerance approach to this type of reprehensible behavior.”
Commissioner Silver has made the right moves in response to this unfortunate absurd spectacle. #ZeroTolerance
— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) April 29, 2014
Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban:
I agree 100% with Commissioner Silvers findings and the actions taken against Donald Sterling — Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 29, 2014
Denver Nuggets President and Governor Josh Kroenke:
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and the Denver Nuggets wholeheartedly and emphatically support Commissioner Adam Silver’s decision that Donald Sterling be fined and banned for life from any involvement with the National Basketball Association.
“Mr. Sterling’s words have absolutely no place in our working family or in a global sport that values inclusion, diversity and tolerance of people regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.”
Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores:
I am proud of Adam Silver for providing the leadership and strength necessary in this situation. He has my full support.”
Golden State Warriors Co-Owner and CEO Joe Lacob:
We applaud the firm punishment handed out today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and appreciate the swiftness with which the NBA conducted its investigation. Similarly, we anticipate that the NBA Board of Governors will act promptly to put this chapter behind us. As I noted on Sunday, the sentiments expressed on the audio recording were completely inappropriate, unacceptable and senseless. We cannot tolerate such feelings or beliefs, not only in the NBA, but in society in general. There is absolutely no room for racism in our world, period.”
Houston Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander (prior to Silver’s decision):
This kind of behavior can’t be allowed in the NBA by owners, players or anybody. This guy has no place in the family of the NBA. Whatever it takes, we have to make sure this kind of event never happens again.”
Indiana Pacers Owner Herb Simon:
I wholeheartedly endorse Commissioner Adam Silver’s swift, strong and decisive action with regard to Donald Sterling. These past days have been both sad and disturbing for the NBA family. It is our responsibility to continue as models of the diversity and inclusion the NBA has long and justly represented.”
Los Angeles Lakers President Jeanie Buss:
In my statement yesterday, I said I had full confidence in Adam Silver and how he and the NBA would handle this situation. In today’s announcement Adam was decisive, firm and compelling and showed great leadership in his condemnation of the horrible and offensive comments that have led to this action.”
Memphis Grizzlies Owner Robert Pera:
Although this has been a trying week for the NBA, I believe one of the strengths of the game of basketball is bringing people together…
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) April 29, 2014
People from all backgrounds and walks of life. This is especially true in Memphis and will always be embraced by this franchise.
— Robert J Pera (@RobertPera) April 29, 2014
Miami Heat Owner Micky Arison:
Great job Adam.The @NBA is in good hands. You have my full support. — Micky Arison (@MickyArison) April 29, 2014