Sports Daily: Should Donald Sterling Be Forced to Sell the Clippers?

[RaychelSnr]

By now you've heard the news on Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

Banned from the NBA for life? Check. Fined the maximum $2.5 million? Check. Forced to sell the team? Possibly in the works.

In dropping the ban-hammer, NBA commissioner Adam Silver suggested he would seek a forced sale of the team from Sterling's hands due to racist comments by the current Clippers owner. It's hard to imagine an individual who would want to simply own a franchise without being allowed involvement in league or team activities, but can the league force someone to sell their property?

In the United States there are many constitutional and legal protections like free speech which also includes an implied right to say stupid things as well. If a stubborn Donald Sterling refuses to remove himself from an awkward situation, there may not be much more the NBA can do.

Sound Off: Should the NBA be allowed to "force" Donald Sterling to sell the Los Angeles Clippers?

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[WorkingILLINI]

Yes he should be. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from repercussions because of that speech. Let the world know you are a racist, expect to get treated like one.

[Brandon13]

Yes, the NBA owners collectively should be able to force out another owner if a forced sale is deemed necessary for the overall health of the league.

And by legal definition, this isn't a free speech issue.

[soonermagic88]

No.
I think his opinion is absolutely horrible and in no way agree with it. However, it is his opinion which he stated in the privacy of his own home. Not to mention that it was illegally recorded.

[KingV2k3]

If you place the focus simply on the "bottom line", this incident has the potential to create labor problems, issues with sponsors and endorsers and cost EVERY owner (and the league) a staggering amount of $$$ on a global scope...

So:

He's bad for business...

The entire league / players / owners and organizations shouldn't have to take a hit on this idiot's behalf...

If I was one of the other owners, I'd sure as heck want him OUT!

Ethical and moral issues aside, it's bad for everyone's (NBA) business...

[Gramps91]

Yea, I'm glad he's likely going to be forced to sell. He doesn't need to be anywhere near the NBA with his mindset.

[Maverick32093209]

Yes...

If the NBA which is a league with primarily African American players with considerable support from that community allows such an owner to stand....they risk ostracizing their fan base. Not to mention that no free agent would EVER go to the Clippers and the team would end up being like gang green on the leg. It needs to be removed before it infects the rest. There are ONLY problems that come from keeping him.

Yes...the message was private, but the sentiment is real and impacts employees. If he picks a white GM and an African American GM applies...there is certainly reason to believe he is acting discriminatory. He has specifically expressed those views.

[soonermagic88]

So if we are going to fire him for what he said, then shouldn't they fire Spike Lee from NBA Radio for all of the racist remarks he has made against white people?

Racism is a two way street.