NBPA, Public Awaits Word From Silver On Sterling Sanctions

The NBPA is looking into the "maximum sanctions" NBA Commissioner Adam Silver can have available against Clippers Owner Donald Sterling for racist comments he allegedly made. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who is advising the union on the matter, said, "We believe that this is a defining moment for the league, a defining moment for the commissioner, a defining moment for all the players" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 4/28). The NBPA is "hoping Silver rules" before tomorrow's Warriors-Clippers Game 5 in L.A. That means "plenty of eyeballs will remain on the commissioner's office" today, "waiting to see if any word is coming." This represents the "first real crisis" of Silver's tenure (AP, 4/28).