Phoenix Suns majority owner Robert Sarver says he "applaud[s] the actions taken" against Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was recorded making racist comments.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Tuesday that Sterling would be fined $2.5 million and banned indefinitely from games or team activities, and he announced the league's desire to force Sterling to sell the team -- which is where Sarver's opinion comes into play.
Three-fourths of the NBA's Board of Governors (i.e., NBA owners) have to vote to force Sterling to sell the franchise.
Silver said in his press conference Tuesday that he has "spoken to several owners and I have their full support," but he stated that he didn't "poll" the owners.
Deadspin has a posting of public statements from owners supporting the NBA's decision, which is up to 10 at this point. The list doesn't include Sarver's statement, which says the following:
"I applaud the actions taken today by Commissioner Silver in response to the disturbing comments made by Donald Sterling. Commissioner Silver's decision upholds the principles of diversity, tolerance and respect for all people that the NBA and Phoenix Suns represent. The Commissioner has my full support."Silver said the process begins immediately.
In the comments that sparked this whole thing, Sterling was recorded telling his younger girlfriend not to take pictures with black people and not to bring black people to Clippers games. The entire recorded conversation leaves no room for interpretation of what Sterling meant.
In today's press conference, Silver said Sterling admitted it was him on the tape.
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