NBA Players and Owners Applaud Donald Sterling's Lifetime Ban

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Donald Sterling was banned from the NBA for life.

Image: Danny Moloshok/Associated Press

By Connor Finnegan2014-04-29 20:24:13 UTC

NBA commissioner Adam Silver brought the hammer down on Donald Sterling Tuesday afternoon — and Twitter was thrilled.

Following an investigation into a recording of racist comments made by Los Angeles Clippers owner, Silver banned Sterling from the NBA for life, and fined him $2.5 million, the maximum fine allowed under the current league constitution.

Silver also emphasized that he will urge the 29 other NBA team owners to band together, and force Sterling to sell the Clippers, an action that would require a vote from 75% of the league's owners. While a forced sale has never occurred in NBA history before, Silver expressed confidence that he has the support of many team owners.

See also: How Much Longer Will Donald Sterling Disgrace the NBA?

If Twitter serves as a barometer, it certainly looks like Sterling's punishment was a popular one. Read, below, some reactions from current and retired NBA players, as well as owners:

Miami Heat star and reigning MVP LeBron James:

It's worth noting that James broke his annual self-imposed social media ban during the playoffs to publicly announce his support of Silver's decision.

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade:

Former Los Angeles Lakers star and NBA analyst Shaquille O'Neal:

NBA legend and Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson:

Retired NBA star Grant Hill:

As far as Silver's announcement urging other team owners to force Sterling to sell the team, several current team owners have already come out in support of the decision.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban:

Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert:

Miami Heat owner Micky Arison:

Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen:

The Clippers also updated their official home page, following Silver's decision, to feature this image:

The Clippers will play the Golden State Warriors in their first home game, since Sterling's remarks leaked, on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT.

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Topics: donald sterling, Entertainment, NBA, Sports, Twitter, U.S., U.S.