TMZ has released an audio recording where a voice identified as Donald Sterling, owner of the LA Clippers, is making highly offensive remarks about African-Americans to his then-girlfriend V. Jacob Markstrom Jersey . Stiviano. The Comments He are some of the comments attributed to Sterling on the recording: - "It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that youre associating with black people. Do you have to?" - "You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that ... and not to bring them to my games." - "Im just saying, in your lousy (expletive) Instagram, you dont have to have yourself with, walking with black people." - "...Dont put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And dont bring him to my games." League Responds NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed profound disappointment over the comments and has urged the public to allow for due process to run its course before any action is taken. "All members of the NBA family should be afforded due process and a fair opportunity to present their side of any controversy," Mr. Silver said, "which is why Im not yet prepared to discuss any potential sanctions against Donald Sterling. We will, however, move extraordinarily quickly in our investigation." The Clippers have declared that these comments do not reflect the views of Sterling and that they are looking into the issue. The public was also reminded that the source of the recording, Stiviano, is being sued by Sterlings wife for embezzling $1.8 million in the form of cash, cars and other items from the Clippers owner, thereby suggesting that the veracity of the recording should be questioned. Investigation The first step for the NBA is authenticating the recording. That means confirming that the voice on the recording is that of Sterling and that the recording was not doctored. Sterling may admit that the voice is his, but allege that his ex-girlfriend doctored the tape as payback for being sued by the Clippers owner. Authenticating the recording may not be an easy process. The NBA will need to get Stiviano to agree to be interviewed (likely under oath), which she may decline. If she refuses to talk to the league, there is little it can do to force her since the NBA does not have subpoena power (or an ability to force Stiviano to submit to an interview). The NBA could also hire an expert to review the recording to assess the likelihood that it has been tampered with and whether the voice is that of Sterling. The NBA is being criticized for not suspending Sterling pending the outcome of the investigation. While the sentiment is understandable, the NBA is bang on here. It is important to observe the principles of fundamental justice, which include that justice be administered fairly. A person is entitled to a fair shake even in the face of despicable comments. The NBA is proceeding with its investigation expeditiously and is aiming to have it done in a "few days". Until then, it is important, if not critical, that the process be respected. Fines, Suspensions and Sale of Team Some people around the league want Sterling gone permanently given his a history of being racially insensitive. In 2009, Sterling was sued for discriminatory housing practices after being accused of seeking to drive African-Americans and Latinos from his apartment buildings. The billionaire settled the lawsuit by paying $2.725 million. He was also sued by his former GM Elgin Baylor, who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit that included allegations of racism. In part, Baylor alleged that Sterling rejected a coach because he was African-American. While some want Sterling gone, the NBA is unlikely to force Sterling to sell the team. If the league tried, they would likely be sued by Sterling, who in part, would allege that the league is violating antitrust laws. If successful, such a lawsuit could get Sterling a massive payout. A more likely scenario is a long suspension. And there is a precedent for that: former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. In December 1992, Schott was quoted in the New York Times as saying that her use of the N-word was a joke after referring to Eric Davis and Dave Parker as her "million-dollar n------". In that same interview, she made favourable comments about Adolf Hitler. As a result, MLB suspended Schott for one year. In 1996, she was suspended for another two years after more racially insensitive comments. In 1998, with her health failing, she agreed to sell the team. Apart from a suspension, we could also see a substantial fine. Ultimately, a fine of $1 million to $5 million would not be surprise. If authenticated, the comments are of course completely unacceptable, highly offensive and frankly disturbing. As well, according to a recent report, African-Americans comprise 76 per cent of all NBA players, while 81 per cent of players are of colour. So the NBA knows one thing: it has to get this right. And that may mean a long suspension and hefty fine. Expulsion, however, doesnt seem likely given the legal challenges. Vancouver Canucks Jerseys . Both of Padakins goals came in the second period while Zane Jones added a single in the first period for Calgary (13-6-4). Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger finished with 30 saves for the shutout. Alex Burrows Jersey . Ho-Sang is a highly regarded prospect, as seen in TSNs Midseason Rankings. This was Game 3 of their playoff series and that wasnt the only strange incident in Londons 10-2 win over Windsor. http://www.thecanuckshockeystore.com/Canucks-Daniel-Sedin-Adidas-Jersey/ . -- The Atlanta Braves are facing the possibility of losing another pitcher for the season after general manager Frank Wren said Saturday that Cory Gearrin has a serious injury to his right elbow.GREENBURGH, N.Y. - The coaching search is on in New York, and the best possible candidate has already been eliminated. Phil Jackson wont be hiring himself to coach the Knicks. Two days after firing Mike Woodson, Jackson reiterated Wednesday that he wont be returning to the bench, despite the fact that even fiancee Jeanie Buss told him he should. But Jackson, who retired from coaching in 2011 after winning an NBA-record 11 titles, said his body isnt up to doing the job. "Jeanie Buss was here with the Board of Governors last week and stayed through the weekend, and tried to encourage me to coach the team. And if theres anyone that can encourage me to do anything, its Jeanie Buss. But I was able to withstand her arguments the whole time," Jackson said at the Knicks training centre. So the new team president said hes looking for a leader with the personality and charisma to succeed in New York. He hopes to talk with Steve Kerr, the TNT analyst frequently mentioned as the leading candidate, sometime within the next month. "New York, I think, demands a personality, a person that the fans can believe in, a person that has some confidence, has the charismatic appeal, and I think has a forward-looking idea about the game," Jackson said. He believes Kerr, who played for him in Chicago and served as general manager of the Phoenix Suns, could be that person. He discussed Kerrs potential interest in coaching last year when a group was trying to buy the Sacramento Kings and move them to Seattle. Jackson was prepared to run their basketball operations if that happened. He and Kerr spoke again earlier this year about basketball, so Jackson is comfortable they share the same view of how the game should be played. "I know philosophically we have a strong connection. Whether hes able to take a job like this, I dont know," Jackson said. "I will get in a conversation with him later on this month and talk to him about and see where hes at as far as his desire to coach." Jackson saidd he didnt have a timetable beyond wanting a coach in place before the July summer league. Igor Larionov Jersey. He has other candidates in mind, but said: "You dont want to know their names. I dont want you to have their names." Jacksons will always come up because of his coaching legacy. Madison Square Garden Chairman James Dolan first talked to Jackson around the holidays about coaching the team, but Jackson declined before they began discussing a management position. Jackson said Buss, whose family owns the Lakers, encouraged him to reconsider because it was "low risk" for him and a "do-what-you-know-best type of thing." But he said hes already made up his mind. "Right now I know physically what I can do," Jackson said. "Thats something that I dont think physically I can do." Jackson hopes Carmelo Anthony wont change his mind, either. Anthony plans to become a free agent this summer and has said he would take less than a maximum salary if it helped build a winning team. Jackson, noting that Tim Duncan and the Miami Heats Big Three had sacrificed salary in the past, said he would talk to Anthony about the benefits of doing the same. "Thats the beginning of team play," Jackson said. "Its really hard to just have one or two top stars, max players, and put together a team with enough talent. Youve got to have people making sacrifices financially, so we hope that Carmelo is true to his word, and we understand what its going to take and well present that to him at that time." The Knicks would have to pay Anthony more than $120 million over five years if he insisted on a max contract. Anthony was one of the only bright spots on a 37-45 team that missed the playoffs. The Knicks would like to keep him. "Im all about moving forward. Just deal with what is and move forward," Jackson said. "If its in the cards, man, are we fortunate. If its not in the cards, man, are we fortunate. Were going forward anyway." Cheap NFL JerseysWholesale JerseysWholesale NFL JerseysJerseys From ChinaWholesale NFL JerseysCheap NFL JerseysCheap Jerseys ' ' '