Bill Text: SC H5197 | 2013-2014 | 120th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 27-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-05-01 - Introduced and adopted [H5197 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2013-H5197-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE DECISIVE AND RESOLUTE ACTION OF NBA COMMISSIONER ADAM SILVER IN RESPONSE TO THE INHERENT CANCER OF OBVIOUS AND DESTRUCTIVE RACISM.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the swift response of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to the glaring racism evident in the comments of the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, Donald Sterling; and
Whereas, in a move universally supported by other NBA franchise owners Commissioner Silver took control of the moment and rendered a judgment on Tuesday against the Clippers' owner; and
Whereas, the unwavering punishment set a lifetime ban on Mr. Sterling, prohibiting him from attending NBA games or practices, stepping foot inside any Clippers' facility, taking part in business or personnel decisions, or having a role in league activities such as attending NBA Board of Governors meetings, and it set a $2.5 million fine, the maximum amount allowed by league guidelines; and
Whereas, Commissioner Silver not only ordered Mr. Sterling out of his team's business, but he also expressed his commitment to do everything in his power to compel the NBA Board of Governors to force Mr. Sterling to sell the Clippers, fully expecting the backing of three-quarters of the league's owners needed for such a move; and
Whereas, Mr. Sterling's racist remarks were made in a recording during a conversation with his girlfriend on April 9, during which he argued about photos she had posted to Instagram of herself with African-Americans. He commented that he did not want her walking with black people or bringing any black people to the Clippers' games; and
Whereas, over a dozen companies, including State Farm, Virgin America, CarMax, and Red Bull, halted their sponsorships with the Clippers over the remarks in a demonstration of public and corporate disdain; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the firm and immediate action taken by NBA Commissioner Silver and the resolution that action has provided for team members, for NBA officials, and for the American public. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commend the decisive and resolute action of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in response to the inherent cancer of obvious and destructive racism.
