It’s not easy transitioning from an assistant to the head honcho. What makes the transition much more difficult is having several hot top issues on your plate. Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, maybe has bitten off more than he can chew in his first year on the job. In his first playoffs as head commissioner Silver has had the most controversial obstacle he may ever face in his career. Los Angeles Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling made vulgar racist comments to his girlfriend about the attendance of African-Americans at Clippers’ games.
The incident took place in Sterling’s home after he witnessed his girlfriend’s Instagram photos with former Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson. The conversation was recorded and TMZ reported the story. The initially released tape was around nine minutes and the newly released recording is fifteen.
Sterling is quoted in saying, “Well then, if you don’t feel—don’t come to my games. Don’t bring black people, and don’t come.”
On Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Adam Silver held a press conference to discuss the punishment of Donald Sterling. Adam Silver, in pure disgust as he stated, fined Sterling a maximum $2.5 million and banned him from any and all NBA activities. The $2.5 million will be donated to Anti-Discriminatory charities. Adam Silver states that the NBA is going to host a vote by the NBA owners on whether Sterling should be forced to sell the Clippers’ franchise.
Adam Silver, being that it is his first year on the job, is making a big statement here by banning Sterling. This judgement did not go overlooked. Players from all over the league of different ethnicities expressed their gratitude for Adam Silver’s decision. As an African-American, I am extremely impressed by Adam Silver for standing up for the players of the NBA, regardless of race.
In the upcoming vote by NBA owners it would be an even better statement if they forced Donald Sterling to sell the franchise. In a basketball league so diverse as the NBA there is no room for racism. Adam Silver in his three month tenure has done a fantastic job in handling the situation.