Washington, May 2 (RHC)-- In the United States, the National Basketball Association, the NBA, has issued a lifetime ban on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling over the racist comments that ignited a national controversy. A leaked recording captured Sterling berating his girlfriend for associating with African Americans in public.

After a two-day investigation, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Sterling is banned for life and will be pressured to sell the team.

Sterling has also been fined $2.5 million, the maximum under league rules. He is the first sports owner ever to receive a lifetime ban from his league. The NBA will need approval from two-thirds of owners to force a sale. Several teams have already signed on, agreeing to vote for Sterling’s expulsion.

The NBA commissioner’s move followed an outcry led by players past and present. In what would have marked a historic display of protest, the NBA Player’s Union has confirmed players were prepared to boycott next Tuesday night’s three playoff games if Sterling did not receive the maximum punishment.