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by Rami Gruman
A few months after being appointed commissioner of the NBA, Adam Silver had to make the most important decision of his life. He did not disappoint: Donald Sterling, after making racist comments, was banned for life by the NBA. Donald Sterling deserved to be banned from the NBA, and Adam Silver did good by removing him from the league.
Some will say that Sterling should not be punished for a private comment. However, the NBA is an exclusive club that is not required to include Sterling as an owner, or indeed anyone they have reason to wish to sever ties with. Sterling’s place as an owner is a privilege, not a right. Sterling reflected poorly on the NBA, and, had the NBA kept him on, it would have sent a message that they condone Sterling's behavior and views. In addition, Sterling has signed a contract with the NBA where he agrees to behave honorably. I think we can all agree that making racist comments to a girlfriend, or even having one for that matter (he's married), constitutes dishonorable behavior.
Furthermore, some say that Sterling should not be punished for simply harboring a view, especially if he hasn't acted upon it. However, he has acted upon it. Multiple allegations against Sterling were made previous to his most recent infraction, including allegations of racism and sexual harassment. For example, Sterling was sued in 2003 for refusing to house Blacks and Latinos. He was brought to court for his actions and eventually settled for millions of dollars, as he had in multiple court cases. These infractions show that Sterling’s views on minorities don’t just stay in his head. The NBA, and the public, can now be absolutely certain that Sterling is an active, practicing racist. His presence cast a bad light on the NBA and is also extremely unfair to those who play and work for him. He needed to go.
Clippers Controversy