76ers owner Harris backs Silver's decision to bar Sterling
After lifetime ban against Clippers owner is announced, Josh Harris releases a statement in support of NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
THE MAJORITY of reaction around the NBA on commissioner Adam Silver's lifetime ban against disgraced Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been positive. Silver announced yesterday in New York that Sterling, whose racist comments became public this weekend, would also be fined $2.5 million.
Not surprisingly, 76ers owner Josh Harris was on board with Silver's decision, giving this statement:
"The Philadelphia 76ers completely support NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. As I have previously stated, there is no place for any type of discrimination in our society, and those hurtful and ignorant comments are contrary to the core values and beliefs of our ownership group and organization."
To force the sale of the Clippers, the remaining NBA owners will vote on that. Seventy-five percent of those 29 owners will have to say they want Sterling out.
"As for Mr. Sterling's ownership interest in the Clippers, I will urge the board of governors to force a sale of the team and will do everything in my power to ensure that happens," Silver said yesterday during his news conference announcing the ban and fine.
Silver appears to have the vote of the Sixers owner.
- Bob Cooney