TMZ has released an audio recording where a voice identified as Donald Sterling, owner of the LA Clippers, is making highly offensive remarks about African-Americans to his then-girlfriend V. Stiviano. The Comments He are some of the comments attributed to Sterling on the recording: - "It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that youre associating with black people. Do you have to?" - "You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that ... and not to bring them to my games." - "Im just saying, in your lousy (expletive) Instagram, you dont have to have yourself with, walking with black people." - "...Dont put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And dont bring him to my games." League Responds NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has expressed profound disappointment over the comments and has urged the public to allow for due process to run its course before any action is taken. "All members of the NBA family should be afforded due process and a fair opportunity to present their side of any controversy," Mr. Silver said, "which is why Im not yet prepared to discuss any potential sanctions against Donald Sterling. We will, however, move extraordinarily quickly in our investigation." The Clippers have declared that these comments do not reflect the views of Sterling and that they are looking into the issue. The public was also reminded that the source of the recording, Stiviano, is being sued by Sterlings wife for embezzling $1.8 million in the form of cash, cars and other items from the Clippers owner, thereby suggesting that the veracity of the recording should be questioned. Investigation The first step for the NBA is authenticating the recording. That means confirming that the voice on the recording is that of Sterling and that the recording was not doctored. Sterling may admit that the voice is his, but allege that his ex-girlfriend doctored the tape as payback for being sued by the Clippers owner. Authenticating the recording may not be an easy process. The NBA will need to get Stiviano to agree to be interviewed (likely under oath), which she may decline. If she refuses to talk to the league, there is little it can do to force her since the NBA does not have subpoena power (or an ability to force Stiviano to submit to an interview). The NBA could also hire an expert to review the recording to assess the likelihood that it has been tampered with and whether the voice is that of Sterling. The NBA is being criticized for not suspending Sterling pending the outcome of the investigation. While the sentiment is understandable, the NBA is bang on here. It is important to observe the principles of fundamental justice, which include that justice be administered fairly. A person is entitled to a fair shake even in the face of despicable comments. The NBA is proceeding with its investigation expeditiously and is aiming to have it done in a "few days". Until then, it is important, if not critical, that the process be respected. Fines, Suspensions and Sale of Team Some people around the league want Sterling gone permanently given his a history of being racially insensitive. In 2009, Sterling was sued for discriminatory housing practices after being accused of seeking to drive African-Americans and Latinos from his apartment buildings. The billionaire settled the lawsuit by paying $2.725 million. He was also sued by his former GM Elgin Baylor, who filed a wrongful termination lawsuit that included allegations of racism. In part, Baylor alleged that Sterling rejected a coach because he was African-American. While some want Sterling gone, the NBA is unlikely to force Sterling to sell the team. If the league tried, they would likely be sued by Sterling, who in part, would allege that the league is violating antitrust laws. If successful, such a lawsuit could get Sterling a massive payout. A more likely scenario is a long suspension. And there is a precedent for that: former Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. In December 1992, Schott was quoted in the New York Times as saying that her use of the N-word was a joke after referring to Eric Davis and Dave Parker as her "million-dollar n------". In that same interview, she made favourable comments about Adolf Hitler. As a result, MLB suspended Schott for one year. In 1996, she was suspended for another two years after more racially insensitive comments. In 1998, with her health failing, she agreed to sell the team. Apart from a suspension, we could also see a substantial fine. Ultimately, a fine of $1 million to $5 million would not be surprise. If authenticated, the comments are of course completely unacceptable, highly offensive and frankly disturbing. As well, according to a recent report, African-Americans comprise 76 per cent of all NBA players, while 81 per cent of players are of colour. So the NBA knows one thing: it has to get this right. And that may mean a long suspension and hefty fine. Expulsion, however, doesnt seem likely given the legal challenges. Roger Clemens Yankees Jersey .55 million euros (US$18.6 million) to Spanish tax authorities on Monday to cover any potential irregularities in its signing of Neymar, all the while maintaining its innocence of the fraud charges levied against it. Mariano Rivera Jersey . Winning more at home probably should be on the list. The Flames look to avoid a fifth defeat in six home games by winning a sixth straight meeting with the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night. https://www.cheapyankees.com/3091g-masah...ey-yankees.html. Coverage on TSN is underway now while action resumes on TSN2 at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt. TSN GO also offers TSN subscribers bonus online coverage, with live streams of all four venues. Tyler Lyons Yankees Jersey . Sundays game against the Colorado Rapids at B.C. Place Stadium has important implications in determining Major League Soccers playoff picture and will also mark the final game in the career of veteran South Korean defender Young-Pyo Lee. Aaron Hicks Jersey . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers (5) – He had good saves on Giroux, Akeson, and Hartnell tonight. MILWAUKEE -- Khris Davis bat splintered after making solid contact with the pitch and he started running. He didnt know where the ball landed, but suddenly his fellow Milwaukee Brewers were rushing him at first base. He got doused with a celebratory cup of water and quickly figured out what happened. Davis hit a game-ending, two run single to centre with the bases loaded in the ninth off Pittsburgh Pirates closer Mark Melancon for a 4-3 win Thursday. "I was just looking around and all of a sudden my teammates were running at me," the second-year left fielder said about the postgame celebration and impromptu shower. "I just took it with a good smile, glad I could help win." A nine-game homestand ended on a high note for the surprising Brewers, who maintained their five-game lead over St. Louis in the NL Central and got their fourth win in five games. It was a big confidence boost especially for Davis, a young slugger who struggled the last few weeks but has showed signs of breaking out of his slump. His average had dipped to .212 before going 4 for 9 in three games against the Pirates. Does this make him "Klutch" Davis? "Im not big on nicknames, but it sounds good," Davis said with a laugh. "Why not?" The comeback spoiled the return of Pirates starter Wandy Rodriguez from the disabled list with right knee inflammation. Rodriguez allowed solo homers to Rickie Weeks and Martin Maldonado but struck out four in his first start since April 19. Gaby Sanchezs solo homer off Yovani Gallardo in the sixth snapped a 2-2 tie to give the Pirates the lead until Melancon (1-2) broke down in the ninth. Subbing for injured closer Jason Grilli, Melancon had converted his four previous save opportunities. Ryan Braun led off the ninth by singling. Melancon walked the next two hitters to load the bases with nobody out. "Hes a human being and just didnt have his best stuff today. The walks are uncharacteristic," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Hes been here for a while, and thats something we havent seen." Up came Davis,, who smashed his broken-bat hit to drive in Braun and Jonathan Lucroy.dddddddddddd Melancon had given up just one walk in 19 previous appearances this season before Thursdays meltdown. "I just put myself in a bad spot," Melancon said. The Pirates nearly came through with a win for Rodriguez, who fared much better Thursday than during two rehab starts in the minors. The veteran left-handed posted a 10.38 ERA with Double-A Altoona. "I dont pay attention to my speed. I pay more attention to how I located the ball," Rodriguez said. "I only made two mistakes today." Weeks homered the other way into the right-field corner off a 2-1 slider in the third to extend the second basemans hitting streak to eight. He finished 3 for 4. Rodriguez entered with a 7.65 ERA, while Melancon had a 1.42 ERA. In the end, the Brewers ended up having more success against the closer. Reliever Rob Wooten (1-1) threw 1-1-3 scoreless innings. Gallardo allowed five hits, three runs and two walks, and struck out six in 6 1-3 innings. Gallardo "did a nice job," manager Ron Roenicke said. "He made one mistake on a high slider, but I thought he threw well. He kept us in there, and we scratched." The short-handed Brewers went a second day without star outfielder Carlos Gomez, who is nursing a sore back while serving a three-game suspension for his role in a benches-clearing brawl between the teams April 20 in Pittsburgh. The Pirates Tony Sanchez had a two-run homer in the fifth, his first of the year. Notes: The Brewers announced that Premier League team Swansea and Mexican club Chivas would meet July 16 for the first professional soccer match at Miller Park. ... Roenicke said Gomez was feeling much better Thursday. Gomez left Tuesdays game with the injury, and his dropped his appeal of the suspension the next day. Gomez is eligible to return Saturday against the Cubs. ... Milwaukee opens the three-game set Friday in Chicago with starter Kyle Lohse (4-1). The Pirates start Edinson Volquez (1-3) to open a series Friday in New York against the Yankees. ' ' '