Watch CBS News

LA Mayor Garcetti Says He's Talked To Sterling, Urged Him To Apologize

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Mayor Eric Garcetti says he's urged Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling to apologize for the racist remarks that were made public more than a week ago.

"I spoke with him a few days ago," Garcetti told Bob Schieffer on CBS' "Face the Nation" in an interview that aired on Sunday morning. "Urged him to apologize to my city and our city which he says he loves and to move towards transitioning the team and restoring the luster of a team that has 'Los Angeles' on its jersey."

COMPLETE COVERAGE: CLIPPERS OWNER CONTROVERSY

Last week, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organization or the NBA and imposed a $2.5 million fine, the maximum amount allowed under the NBA constitution.

Silver also said that he would urge the board of governors to exercise their power to force the sale of the team.

When asked what he thought Sterling would do, Garcetti said, "I don't believe that he thinks the league will impose the sort of penalties that they've said that they will."

Garcetti also said, "I think that he thinks that he's going to be the owner for a long time. That he wants to stay the owner."

Sterling has been the subject of controversy after a recording of a racist rant claimed to capture his voice. Following the leak, an investigation was launched in which Silver said Sterling acknowledged that it was his voice on the tape.

Despite a multitude of recent distractions, the Clippers advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday night after defeating the Golden State Warriors in Game 7. Garcetti said he was proud of the Clippers after a great victory.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.