sterlingespn.jpgESPN

After a recording filled with racist remarks was leaked over the weekend, the axe of justice has fallen on the head of disgraced Clippers owner Donald Sterling. This morning, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver held a press conference in which he announced that he was suspending the disgraced owner "forever" and imposing a the maximum fine allowed, $2.5 million.

"Effective immediately, I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from the Clippers Association and the NBA," said Silver.

While some have speculated that the recording was doctored, Silver plainly told reporters that investigators found that it was in fact Sterling's voice on the shocking tape.

"The central finding of this investigation ... is that the voice on the recording is Mr. Sterling and that the hateful opinions voiced by that man are of Mr. Sterling. The views expressed by Mr. Sterling are deeply hurtful and harming ..."

Silver was quick to condemn Sterling's shocking and racist remarks, saying, "This has been a painful moment for all members of the NBA family. We stand together in condemning Mr. Sterling's views. They have no place in the NBA."

Interestingly enough, the suspension does not apply to the members of Sterling's immediate family, but the NBA has approval rights to whoever is running the team in Sterling's absence, TMZ reports. However, the commissioner added in the press conference that he will urge the NBA's board of governors to force the Sterling family to sell the team.

Sterling has also been banned from attending any practices, NBA games or having any involvement with the team or the NBA in any capacity for life.

Magic Johnson, who was the subject of some of Sterling's racist comments, tweeted that he is "very happy and satisfied" with the NBA and Silver's decision.

Kudos to the NBA for taking such a strong stand!