Donald Sterling had been the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team owner for years until he made racist remarks that were caught on a recording. The billionaire was speaking to his girlfriend at the time. Sterling has a clear history and reputation for being racist, but this was the first time proof of it was made public. His comments were released by entertainment network TMZ. He told his girlfriend that he did not want her posting pictures of herself online with African Americans or inviting African Americans to National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball games.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from all NBA basketball games, practices and events for life. Silver called Sterling’s comments “offensive” and “disturbing.” Clippers’ team members were also very offended. Even President Barack Obama took notice in Sterling’s reported comments. During a news conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Obama says “When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don’t really have to do anything, you just let them talk, and that’s what happened here.” Sterling was fined 2.5 million dollars, the maximum amount according to the NBA constitution. Sterling is being forced to sell his team. He bought the Clippers in 1981 for 12 million dollars. By now, the Clippers are worth more than 500 million dollars.

“Donald Sterling’s comments were clearly out of line, and because the NBA is so important in the African American community, his punishments were warranted.” says Autumn Henderson-Brazie. Ashland High School’s athletic department holds high standards for their coaches, players, fans, and faculty. AHS expects politeness and acceptance of all races. Racism and other forms of intolerance are not acceptable, and violators will be reprimanded.  Punishments are determined due to the severity of the incident. Because of Ashland High School’s high standards, there has been minimum issues within the athletic department.