(AllHipHop News) The Los Angeles Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling and his weeks of questionable comments have altered the attention placed on the NBA playoffs and that will continue. According to sources, the NBA has formally “initiated a charge” against Donald Sterling to get him to give up ownership of the Clippers.
According to the NBA’s official statement, Sterling violated the NBA’s constitution by engaging in “conduct that has damaged and continues to damage the NBA and its teams.” While NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the NBA’s interest in pursuing legal action against Donald Sterling prior to Sterling’s interview with Anderson Cooper 360 last Sunday (May 11th), the NBA’s statement intimates that the interview will be included:
Mr. Sterling disparaged African-Americans and “minorities”; directed a female acquaintance not to associate publicly with African-Americans or to bring African-Americans to Clippers games; and criticized African-Americans for not supporting their communities.
Sterling has until May 27th to respond to the NBA’s charge and is able to attend “a special meeting of the Board of Governors.” The NBA will need the vast majority of the owners at the Board of Govenors’ meeting to vote against Sterling:
BREAKING: NBA sets June 3 hearing on Donald Sterling’s Clippers ownership. NBA Board of Governors requires 3/4 vote to force sale.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 19, 2014
The NBA Finals are set to start on June 5th. Check out the NBA’s full statement here.