Adam Silver's 2 p.m. press conference announced a lifetime ban on Clippers owner Donald Sterling and the maximum fine they could throw at him for inflammatory racial comments publicized by TMZ and Deadspin, drawing widespread positive reactions from fans, media and players alike.
TNT's Inside the NBA crew of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O'Neal and Ernie Johnson all joined in lauding Silver's decision.
Sterling banned for life
Barkley, expecting a one-year suspension, was surprised at the lifetime ban, but supported it fully. "It's an NBA thing, but everyone who goes to work should feel like they're appreciated," he said. "I hope that not just the NBA, but every person who gets humiliated at work, they all stand together. It was just a great day for me."
Smith agreed, calling it "one of the proudest moments being in the NBA family" and saying it "lifted my spirits."
"To see Adam Silver act directly, passionately and accurately, all in one, it was very interesting to see someone do that," Smith added. "I don't care if he makes money on the sale or not; It's about the conditions of the work environment in the United States of America, not just the NBA."
O'Neal was also pleased, giving Silver an A plus for the strong decision, which he called "as aggressive as [Silver] could be," finishing his comments by hoping the team can get rid of Sterling to start anew in their ownership.