In retrospect, what should Donald Sterling have been punished for?

I believe Sterling's private comments seemed more personal to the NBA than his racism toward others. In private Sterling said he didn't want his 'girlfriend to be seen with black players/managers, etc, at the games or on her social networks while 80% of the NBA is black. NBA players are mostly multimillionaires and are well known. They are unlikely to ever experience the kind of racism that would deny them an apartment or any house they wanted. Sterling's private comments were personal to them. Even the NAACP gave Sterling a lifetime award knowing he was fined by the federal government for redlining as well as really disgusting comments as to why he would not rent to people of color. NAACP just ignored it for the money. The NBA doesn't need Sterling's money and these successful black men will not deal with Sterling who see's them as still being less than he.

I also believe there was some jealousy that his half black well paid escort would seem to prefer black healthy successful basketball players to himself after he kept her in such style.

Personally, I find it disturbing that an individual in the free world can no longer speak their mind in a private conversation without wondering if they are being taped. This seems very similar to the current culture in North Korea and what China used to be just a couple decades ago. It also reminds me of the theme from George orwell's book "1984", except big brother is not the governments that is watching you, but rather the world itself via the internet that is watching you. Scary.

You think that because the conversation was in private that everyone who heard it should just ignore it? That makes no sense...if you get caught saying offensive stuff in private people are going to react. If you're apart of a business you're gonna screw things up for yourself if you're talking about potential contributors in your market. You think they're just gonna back off cause it was a private conversation? Please, grow up. This is how the world works. You WILL get chewed up and spat out for saying racist b.s.

No one should be punished for anything. Separated if they are a physical threat, but not punished, punishment is just sadism.

Upsetting the brothahs

Being a john his "girlfriends" are really hookers.

Keno player is 100% correct. You fools don't and can't see the big picture of all this. I'm forced to support a dumb racist because I want my freedom. I hope sterling wins this in court so I or my fellow Americans don't fall pray to unauthorized leaked recordings in my own home half asleep. I'm a minority and I think the NBA sucks and is predictable. Heat win again.

Exactly as he has.