Adam Silver apologizes to Magic Johnson for 'malicious' Sterling statements

Commissioner Adam Silver handed down a lifetime ban on Clippers Owner Donald Sterling last month.(Elsa/Getty Images) NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a

Commissioner Adam Silver handed down a lifetime ban on Clippers Owner Donald Sterling last month.(Elsa/Getty Images)

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement in response to Donald Sterling's CNN interview with Anderson Cooper earlier this evening.

Official release:

"I just read a transcript of Donald Sterling's interview with Anderson Cooper and while Magic Johnson doesn't need me to, I feel compelled on behalf of the NBA family to apologize to him that he continues to be dragged into this situation and be degraded by such a malicious and personal attack. The NBA Board of Governors is continuing with its process to remove Mr. Sterling as expeditiously as possible."

The "malicious" attack referred to Sterling telling Cooper:

"Well, what kind of a guy goes to every city, has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV? Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about?" Sterling asked. "I think he should be ashamed of himself. I think he should go into the background. But what does he do for the black people? He doesn't do anything."

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