The Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday for Game 5 of their 2014 NBA playoff first round series. Tipoff is at 10:30 p.m. ET. Watch the live stream or listen to the radio broadcast via the links provided below.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced on Tuesday the permanent ban of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling from the NBA. Silver confirmed to reporters that it was Sterling who made the racist comments in an audiotape leaked over the weekend, which prompted the NBA to issue a lifetime suspension and a $2.5 million fine to Sterling.
Following Silver's announcement, the NBA issued a press release:
"NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has banned Donald Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers or the NBA, it was announced today at a press conference in Manhattan. Commissioner Silver has also fined Mr. Sterling $2.5 million, the maximum amount allowed under the NBA Constitution. ...
"As part of the lifetime ban, Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices, be present at any Clippers office or facility, or participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team. He will also be barred from attending NBA Board of Governors meetings and participating in any other league activity.
"Commissioner Silver also announced that he will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team."
Silver said during the press conference the owners have the authority to remove Sterling as an owner if three quarters of the owners vote for it.
The announcement, which came hours before the start of Game 5, could help lessen any doubts the Clippers players have about playing.
"What other players are going through 'Should I be playing' thoughts in the middle of a playoff series? I sympathize for my players. They didn't sign on for this. Yet here they are and they're in the middle of it and they have to deal with it," Clippers coach Doc Rivers told the Associated Press.
The series is tied 2-2.
Watch the live stream HERE, or listen to the radio broadcast HERE (GSW) and HERE (LAC).
