Accused of harming NBA

The NBA charged Donald Sterling on Monday with damaging the league and its teams with his racist comments, setting up a June 3 hearing after which owners could vote to terminate his ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers.

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,” the NBA said.

Sterling’s actions and positions significantly undermine the NBA’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion; damage the NBA’s relationship with its fans; harm NBA owners, players and Clippers team personnel; and impair the NBA’s relationship with marketing and merchandising partners, as well as with government and community leaders,”‘ the league said.

If Sterling does not respond to the charge within five business days, or does not appear at the hearing, it would be deemed an admission of the “total validity of the charges as presented,” according to the league constitution.

But even the players who want him out believe Sterling will fight and his attorney sent a letter to the league last week informing it that Sterling wouldn’t be paying the fine.

Sterling’s estranged wife Shelly has said she will fight to keep her 50 percent share of the team even if Donald Sterling is forced to sell.