Only for Guild Members » Im getting better

NEW YORK -- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver delivered the swiftest, strongest penalty he could, then called on NBA owners to force Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling to sell the team for making racist comments that hurt the league. Nathan Walker Jersey . Almost unanimously, owners supported the commissioner Tuesday, as he handed down one of the harshest penalties in the history of U.S. sports. "We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterlings views. They simply have no place in the NBA," Silver said at a news conference. Sterling, 80, is banned for life from any association with the league or the Clippers, and was fined $2.5 million -- the maximum allowable under the NBA constitution. If three-fourths of the other 29 owners agree to Silvers recommendation, Sterling will be forced to sell the team he has owned since 1981. A message left seeking comment at Sterlings business office hadnt been returned Tuesday afternoon. Team spokesman Seth Burton said in an email that the Clippers had no plans to issue a statement from Sterling on Tuesday. Players and others cheered Silvers quick action, with union officials saying that if the leagues punishment hadnt included a mandate for Sterling to sell the team, players were considering boycotting playoff games, including Tuesdays Golden State Warriors-Clippers matchup, the teams first home game since the scandal erupted. "We wanted to be a part of this decision, and we wanted Adam Silver to know where we stood. And we were very clear that anything other than Sterling selling his team was not going to be enough for us," said Roger Mason Jr., the first vice-president of the players union. Chris Paul, the Clippers All-Star point guard and the president of the players union, issued a brief statement before leading Los Angeles against the Warriors in Game 5 of their tied playoff series. "In response to todays ruling by the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver, my teammates and I are in agreement with his decision," Paul said. "We appreciate the strong leadership from Commissioner Silver and he has our full support." Sterlings comments -- which were recorded by his girlfriend and released by TMZ on Saturday -- harmed the league, Silver said. Sponsors were threatening to abandon the NBA, and criticism was coming from fans on social media and even the White House. Sterling criticized V. Stiviano -- purportedly the female voice on the recording -- for posting pictures of herself with black athletes Magic Johnson and Matt Kemp. "It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that youre associating with black people. Do you have to?" Sterling asks the woman on the recording. "Sentiments of this kind are contrary to the principles of inclusion and respect that form the foundation of our diverse, multicultural and multiethnic league," Silver said. The NBAs longest-tenured owner keeps his team for now -- and Silver said he didnt know if Sterling would fight to do so permanently. But he cant attend games or practices, cant be involved in any personnel decisions or participate in board of governors meetings. Just three days after the scandal broke, and hours before the Clippers hosted their biggest game of the season, Silver apologized to some of the leagues black pioneers while meting out a punishment he believed would satisfy outraged players and fans. Sterlings Clippers have been one of the most incompetent franchises in pro sports, and nearly all of their previous seasons would have been finished by now. But after the most successful two-year stretch in Clippers history, the current team is a title contender led by Doc Rivers, a black coach whom Sterling brought in from Boston and paid $7 million a year. "(Silver) made the decision that really was the right one that had to be made," Rivers said before the Clippers game. "I dont think this is something that we rejoice in or anything like that. I told the players about the decision, and I think they were just happy there was a resolution and that its over, at least the start of it. I think were all in a better place because of this." Silver said the ban applied only to Sterling, and there had been no discussions about whether he could sell to a family member. Many owners supported Silver, and none of them publicly defended Sterling. "We applaud the firm punishment handed out today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and appreciate the swiftness with which the NBA conducted its investigation," Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob said in a statement. The fine will be donated to organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts, Silver said. Sterling, with an estimated net worth of about $2 billion, did not comment, though Silver said he did not apologize for his remarks. Silver said Sterling confirmed that he was the person on the recording. Silver hasnt even been on the job three months and already had to face a crisis that threatened the league not only financially -- with several companies ending or suspending their sponsorships of the Clippers -- but more importantly, socially. The NBA survived the Indiana Pacers brawl with Detroit Pistons fans, and referee Tim Donaghy betting on games he officiated. But this brought a different level of outrage, particularly because the league could have done something sooner about Sterling, who has faced federal charges of civil rights violations and racial discrimination in his business dealings. "This has all happened in three days, and so I am hopeful there will be no long-term damage to the league and to the Clippers organization," Silver said. "But as I said earlier, Im outraged so I certainly understand other peoples outrage." After the announcement, the Clippers website had a simple message: "We are one." "We wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision by the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver today. Now the healing process begins," the Clippers added in a statement. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Raptors, issued a statement Tuesday afternoon. "As a proud member of the National Basketball Association, we stand strongly in our belief that the comments attributed to Mr. Sterling have no place in our society or sport. Our organization will always work to contribute to a culture of diversity and acceptance in this league and fully support the actions taken today. We thank commissioner Adam Silver, and all of the NBA players, for their leadership on this important issue." Rivers cancelled practice Monday and declined a meeting request from Sterling. He wouldnt address whether he would return next season if Sterling were still in control, a stance reaffirmed by the coach before Game 5 of the Clippers playoff series with Golden State. That might not be an issue if the owners vote to oust the owner. Sterling is estranged from his wife and had been dating Stiviano, 31. In court documents, Stiviano describes him as a man "with a big toothy grin brandishing his sexual prowess in the faces of the Paparazzi and caring less what anyone else thought, the least of which, his own wife." Silver said when he first heard the audio, he hoped it had been altered or was fake, but thought it was Sterling. And it doesnt matter if Sterling didnt realize he was being recorded, Silver said. "Whether or not these remarks were initially shared in private, theyre now public, and they represent his views." Taylor Chorney Jersey . The Nuggets leading scorer, Lawson is characterized as day to day by the team. Hes averaging 17.9 points and 8.9 assists. Lawson suffered the injury late in Denvers win Sunday at Sacramento. Lucas Johansen Jersey . -- Maxence Parrot of Bromont, Que. http://www.capitalsauthority.com/authentic-aaron-ness-capitals-jersey/ . -- Phil Hughes ended a personal losing streak that dated to last July, pitching into the seventh inning Sunday and helping the Twins top the Kansas City Royals 8-3 to avoid a three-game sweep.FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Geno Smith believes he is still the answer.Yes, he knows he needs to get a lot better, and fast.But he also thinks the New York Jets search for a franchise quarterback, a mostly fruitless task since the days of Joe Namath, could end right in front of their eyes.Despite the boos, increasing criticisms and calls for Michael Vick.Well, thats still to be set, Smith said when asked Wednesday if hes a franchise-type QB.Obviously, its my goal, but weve got to work toward that and were still working toward that and I do believe that I am. But weve just got to continue to work on it.Rex Ryan and the Jets are sticking with Smith, and their public support for him hasnt wavered. Smith knows he needs to deliver, though. With five interceptions and two lost fumbles in four games, there needs to be improvement Sunday at San Diego.Otherwise, it could be time for Smith to sit and Vick to come in a€” a scenario some considered inevitable even before the season began.Its about wins and losses, Smith said. Weve got to win more games. Ultimately, thats the only thing. I dont think its about anything other than that.Smith insists the pressure isnt getting to him, but yelling an expletive at a heckler after the Jets 24-17 loss to Detroit last Sunday suggested theres perhaps a slight crack in what had previously been considered thick skin. He expects to get a letter from the NFL about that, and a fine, too.Always be above the situation, he said. Never let people get to you. Never let anyones words affect you in that manner. Its something Ive already known, but Ive just got to handle those situations better.A few minutes later, though, Smith bristled when he was asked if theres any value in playing Vick for a quarter in a game a€” which means Smith, obviously, would be sent to the sideline.I dont know what youre trying to lead to with that question, he said. Maybe thats your opinion. That is not a question.When the reporter suggested putting Vick into a game could provide a spark, Smith responded: As a spark? What do you mean a spark? Weve already put him in.Vick has seen limited snaps as Smiths backup, throwing one incomplete pass and rushing once for 3 yards. He didnt get into the game against the Lions, even as fans at MeetLife chanted for him to replace Smith. Dale Hunter Jersey. So, Smith was asked if it could help the Jets by putting Vick in for not just a play or two, but an entire quarter a€” and he, predictably and understandably, got testy.It doesnt make sense, Smith said. What team do you see doing that?Well, none.The bottom line, though, for the Jets is this: They are committed, for now, to Smith. They want to find out for sure whether he is that franchise-type quarterback, and so far theyve had 20 games to evaluate him.With Miami, Buffalo and New England all 2-2 and the Jets 1-3, the AFC East appears to be wide open. So, Ryan needs to find the delicate balance between developing the young quarterback and preserving the season.After previously saying it would be a Jets decision, Ryan also clarified that any lineup changes are his call entirely a€” including whether Smith should be benched for Vick.I just thought it was so obvious that, obviously, in my position as the head coach you are going to make decisions during a game a€” who else is going to make them? Ryan said. Im not going to call (former lineman) Randy Rasmussen up and say, Hey, Randy what do you think? Or anybody.That falls on my shoulders, and I think its obvious. What became obvious is that I should have handled that question differently.Smith said he hasnt lost any confidence during this rough stretch, and his focus is on the Chargers a€” not what is being said outside the facility.I never needed to be reassured, Smith said. Ive always had confidence in my coaches and I believe theyve always had confidence in me. Theyve expressed those things, but I dont get caught up in that.That said, Smith knows what the statistics look like and where the Jets stack up in the standings. He also realizes that how he plays Sunday could go a long way in setting the tone for the rest of the season. For him, and the rest of the team.My progression is, obviously, Im getting better, but its all about wins and losses and Im trying my best to help us win these games, he said. So Im going to be extra critical on myself this week to make sure that I have to be nearly perfect in order to help us win games.___AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Cheap Soccer Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Hockey Jerseys Nike NFL Jerseys China Cheap Nike MLB Jerseys China Wholesale Baseball Jerseys China Wholesale College Jerseys Cheap Jerseys From China Wholesale Jerseys Near Me Cheap Jerseys Online Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Authentic Cheap Soccer Jerseys China Cheap NCAA Jerseys Authentic Cheap Nike NBA Jerseys Cheap NHL Jerseys Authentic MLB Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Throwback Jerseys Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China ' ' '