Adam Silver on Donald Sterling: “No way ban is rescinded”
By Jacob Rude
With the Donald Sterling issue nearing a complete resolution, the idea of a possible bargain for Sterling given his compliance with the NBA.
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However, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared no such ideas. The idea that Sterling might received a lesser suspension in return for dropping the lawsuit was batted around, but as seen above, the NBA has no intention of lessening the suspension nor the fine.
Adam Silver on Donald Sterling: "There is absolutely no possibility the lifetime ban or the fine will be rescinded in any way."
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 8, 2014
Sterling was banned for life and given a $2.5 million fine, the largest allowed amount. Originally, Sterling intended on challenging the suspension and fine, but later acquiesced to the punishments, selling the team to Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO.
Sterling and his wife agreed to a 50/50 split of the team’s sale, which totaled $2 billion. Sterling intended on fighting the suspension and fine, but after initial threats, gave in and withdrew the lawsuit, which the NBA in turn dropped their lawsuit.
The lifetime ban is the first of such type of ban the NBA has handed out. Sterling was suspended for racist comments made about former NBA star Magic Johnson after his girlfriend was posting pictures online with Johnson. The resulting media storm resulted in a quick and strong response from the NBA. Players around the league were ready to boycott playoff games if the punishment was not deemed worthy by them.