Players union wants maximum punishment for Clippers owner Donald Sterling
OAKLAND, Calif. – The National Basketball Players Association wants quick and "maximum" punishment for Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling if the NBA's investigation proves the audio recording of his alleged racial comments are accurate.
Sacramento mayor and former NBA player Kevin Johnson, who is assisting the NBPA in its own probe of the allegations, said the players union has told NBA commissioner Adam Silver it wants to know the maximum range of sanctions Sterling is facing.
"They want a decision quickly and decisively," Johnson said.
Johnson met with Silver before Game 4 at Oracle Arena and told him the players want Sterling banned from the remainder of the playoffs and an explanation as to why he wasn't previously punished by the league despite settling multiple racial discrimination lawsuits.
The players "trust Adam Silver," Johnson said. "They trust Adam Silver to do the right thing."
Sterling did not attend Game 4 after the NBA urged him to avoid the arena. Johnson said the players also strongly want the NBA to make a decision on Sterling prior to Tuesday's Game 5 of the series in Los Angeles. Johnson said he understands the urge to boycott Game 5 by fans and civil rights groups, but wants everyone to see the NBA's ruling first.
"The players are outraged," Johnson said.
