According to a press release distributed this afternoon, the NBA will make an announcement tomorrow regarding the alleged comments made by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
As per the NBA’s Executive Vice President of Communications, Michael Bass: “The NBA will hold a press conference tomorrow to make an announcement about its investigation involving Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Additional details will be announced.”
An audio clip released to TMZ contained a voice sounding like Sterling was heard scolding V. Stiviano, his girlfriend who is reportedly both of black and Mexican decent, to disassociate herself with black people and not bring her black friends to Clippers game. The voice sounding like Sterling also asked for the woman to stop posting photos of them on her Instagram account.
While in Memphis on NBA business over the weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commented on the matter by stating: “All members of the NBA family should be afforded due process and a fair opportunity to present their side of any controversy, which is why I’m not yet prepared to discuss any potential sanctions against Donald Sterling,” Silver said.
“We will, however, move extraordinarily quickly in our investigation. In the meantime, Mr. Sterling has agreed he will not attend his playoff game tomorrow in Golden State.”
The response from pop culture, political figures and the NBA at large has been overwhelming. U.S. President Barack Obama weighed in on the issue at a press conference over the weekend in Malaysia by calling the billionaire owner, “ignorant.”
The Los Angeles Clippers are currently tied at 2 games apiece with the Golden State Warriors in round one of their Western Conference quarterfinals matchup.