NBA: Donald Sterling being banned buoys LA Clippers

Los Angeles The NBAs strong action against Clippers owner Donald Sterling was a relief for the Clippers players toiling under the cloud of his racially charged remarks their coach said TuesdayDonald SterlingClippers coach Glenn Doc Rivers speaking before the Clippers took the court for game five of their Western Conference firstround playoff series against the Golden State Warriors said his players bore the burden of Sterlings comments even though they had done nothing wrongWhen something like this happens with the burden of racism it always falls on the person who has been offended to respond Rivers saidI felt the pressure on my players Everyone was waiting for them to give a response he added I kept thinking They didnt do anything yet they have to respondBut NBA commissioner Adam Silvers swift and decisive response on Tuesday helped lift that burdenSilver banned Sterling from all NBA participation for life fined him a maximum 25 million and said hed urge the NBA Board of Governors to move to force Sterling to sell the team he bought in 1981Clippers fans had also felt the weight wondering how or if they should back their beloved team despite the transgressions of the owner who after all reaps the most financial rewards from their supportClippers season ticket holder Andy Mendoza said he definitely would have had second thoughts about attending Tuesdays game if Silver hadnt acted as he didThe NBA sanctions give him confidence Mendoza said that Sterling will get what he deserves toward the endIn the Clippers first home game since the scandal broke fans filled Staples Center many holding signs alluding to the turmoilHate will never win said one another Rise aboveLove the Players one Tshirt slogan urged the back of the shirt adding Hate the OwnerThis is our house the public address announcer said as Los Angeles players took the court for pregame warmups Be proud of your teamPrior to Silvers announcement on Tuesday some civil rights activists had urged fans to boycott Clippers games A handful of picketers outside Staples Center said they were there to point out that Sterling wasnt out as owner yetDexter McLeod of People for Community Improvement quietly carried a sign saying End RacismMcLeod called Silvers action in banning Sterling awesomeThe commissioner did everything he could possibly do in his jurisdiction McLeod said He did a very necessary thingHowever McLeod said there was still action fans could takeI think they should not go in there inside the stadium and spend money he said Would you support a business that you know is racist Why would you circulate your dollars that wayIf you want to go inside the arena thats fine but do not purchase anything There should be no bigot in this country that profitsRivers acknowledged that the ban of Sterling left him in an odd position with no one to turn to about the needs of his teamHowever he said it was the right decision and he urged all to remain patient as the situation was resolvedWere going to let this whole thing run its course and then well all have better clarity Rivers said I want my players to be comfortable honestly I think thats the most important thing