According to TMZ, who first released the Donald Sterling audio, NBA commissioner Adam Silver is preparing to fine Sterling $5 million and suspend him indefinitely.
Sterling would not be forced to sell the Clippers, according to TMZ, but other sources have reported that Silver is 'highly likely' to encourage the sale. While the league may be able to terminate Sterling's ownership through an interpretation of an NBA bylaw, that would almost certainly lead to a lengthy court battle - something league officials hope to avoid.
The Clippers have lost fourteen sponsors and counting since the audio of Sterling telling his girlfriend not to bring black people to his games was released. Sterling has not made any public comment, and agreed not to attend game four of the Western Conference first-round series between the Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. Game five is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST Tuesday at the Staples Center.
