The NBA has set their date to hear the Donald Sterling case and have their vote on Sterling’s status going forward. On June 3 Sterling will have his chance to plead his case and try to sway more than a quarter of the 29 owners that hold his fate in their hands.
According to ESPN, Sterling as not expecting the NBA to follow through on their threats to act against his ownership of the Clippers and even requested a three-month delay in the hearing. The other owners denied that request and will vote on the status of Sterling directly after the meeting.
The NBA released a statement concerning the hearing and the grounds on which the league is planning to punish Sterling.
"All of these acts provide grounds for termination under several provisions of the NBA constitution and related agreements,"
"Among other things, Mr. Sterling disparaged African-Americans and 'minorities'; directed a female acquaintance not to associate publicly with African-Americans or to bring African-Americans to Clippers games; and criticized African-Americans for not supporting their communities,"
"Mr. Sterling's actions and positions significantly undermine the NBA's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion; damage the NBA's relationship with its fans; harm NBA owners, players and Clippers team personnel; and impair the NBA's relationship with marketing and merchandising partners, as well as with government and community leaders,"
Many NBA officials, including commissioner Adam Silver, believe the league will have more than the three-fourths vote and will actively pursue making Sterling sell the team he has owned since 1981. The hearing will be over two days and will be on, of all days, the eve of the NBA Finals.
[ESPN]
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