Players, owners applaud Silver’s actions

NBA commissioner Adam Silver acted forcefully Tuesday, banning Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life and fining him $2.5 million for his racially insensitive remarks.

Silver also announced that he will attempt to force Sterling to sell the team — moves that drew widepread support and reaction from around the league:

“Donald Sterling banned for life. Adam Silver is gonna gain A LOT of respect as the new commish for “this one. #nicejobcommish”

— Miami Heat forward LeBron James ?@KingJamesNation

“The players spoke, they acted, and they were listened to. Today he is not only owners’ Commissioner, he is the players’ Commissioner.”

— Kevin Johnson at NBPA press conference

“Former and current NBA players are very happy and satisfied with Commissioner Silver’s ruling.”

— Former Lakers standout Earvin “Magic” Johnson ?@MagicJohnson

“I agree 100% with Commissioner Silvers findings and the actions taken against Donald Sterling”

— Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban ?@mcuban

“Big ups to Adam Silver. I think this is a very appropriate way to handle this situation. Now it’s up to the owners to make him sell.”

— Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers ?@mchalmers15

“Commissioner Silver has made the right moves in response to this unfortunate absurd spectacle. #ZeroTolerance”

— Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert ?@cavsdan

“Commissioner of the @NBA just showed us how he drops the hammer on ignorance. #lifetimeban for Donald Sterling. The ultimate #gonefishing”

— Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins ?@jasoncollins34

“Credit to NBA players, the NBA community and Adam Silver for coming together and acting quickly. No room for racists in sport.”

— NFL Players’ Association executive director DeMaurice Smith ?@DeSmithNFLPA

“The Orlando Magic feel the recent reprehensible comments by Donald Sterling were absolutely unacceptable and do not reflect the values and beliefs of our organization or our league. We applaud the leadership of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, as well as Head Coach Doc Rivers and his players, who are at the epicenter of the situation.”

— Orlando Magic statement

“Commissioner Silver….STRONG…way to take charge and protect our great league.”

— Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade @DwyaneWade

“Very proud of commissioner Silver for his leadership. Well done Adam!”

— Former NBA player Grant Hill @realgranthill 33

“To whom much is given, much is required. I commend Adam Silver, Commissioner of the GREATEST LEAGUE in the WORLD!!!!!

— Former NBA player Bruce Bowen @Bowen12

“Wizards staying at my hotel. Cheers just came from a room nearby after Silver made his announcement”

— Television sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson

“‘Standing ovation’ for Commissioner Silver. Big time decision standing up for the league and it’s players. Now, Gotta see it through

— Steph Curry @Stephen Curry30

“The players were prepared to boycott the games if this type of behavior … was to be tolerated.”

— National Basketball Players Association vice president Roger Mason Jr., who added that “we want a timetable from owners” for Donald Sterling’s official removal as Clippers owner

“I commend Commissioner Adam Silver in being diligent in how he handled this important matter. He acted swiftly and appropriately with the severity of the penalty and I strongly support his decision.”

— Atlanta Hawks owner Bruce Levenson

“The Timberwolves stand firmly in full support of the swift and impactful action taken today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. His leadership and direction in this matter is completely appropriate and appreciated by the Timberwolves organization. We stand unified with Commissioner Silver today and reaffirm our organization’s zero tolerance approach to the type of reprehensible behavior which caused this action.”

— Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor