Modern NBA is a global brand with players from, and fanbase in...all four corners of the planet. Sterling is a pariah to the NBA brand. Silver did what he thought he had to do to protect the brand.The other owners will vote to remove Sterling in the best interest of the league,regardless of their personal feelings toward him or how this has played out.
You hit the nail on the head.
For others to suggest that Sterling's comments were just "gibberish" and didn't hurt anybody is absurd. He clearly and dispassionately expressed his repulsion concerning Blacks attending his team's games and associating with his mistress. The NBA has reached unparalleled global popularity, based in no small measure upon diversity and inclusion. His presence, if Silver allowed it to continue, would damage the league's credibility and marketability.
