NBA commissioner Adam Silver brought the hammer down on Donald Sterling Tuesday afternoon -- and Twitter was thrilled.
Following an investigation into a recording of racist comments made by Los Angeles Clippers owner, Silver banned Sterling from the NBA for life, and fined him $2.5 million, the maximum fine allowed under the current league constitution.
Silver also emphasized that he will urge the 29 other NBA team owners to band together, and force Sterling to sell the Clippers, an action that would require a vote from 75% of the league's owners. While a forced sale has never occurred in NBA history before, Silver expressed confidence that he has the support of many team owners.
If Twitter serves as a barometer, it certainly looks like Sterling's punishment was a popular one. Read, below, some reactions from current and retired NBA players, as well as owners:
Miami Heat star and reigning MVP LeBron James:
Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting our beautiful and powerful league!! Great leader!! #BiggerThanBasketball #StriveForGreatness— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 29, 2014
It's worth noting that James broke his annual self-imposed social media ban during the playoffs to publicly announce his support of Silver's decision.
Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade:
Commissioner Silver....STRONG...way to take charge and protect our great league.— THREE (@DwyaneWade) April 29, 2014
Former Los Angeles Lakers star and NBA analyst Shaquille O'Neal:
Way to go, Commissioner Silver! The NBA stands for everybody!— SHAQ (@SHAQ) April 29, 2014
NBA legend and Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson:
Current and former NBA players now know that in Commissioner Adam Silver we have a great leader leading our league.— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 29, 2014
Retired NBA star Grant Hill:
Very proud of commissioner Silver for his leadership. Well done Adam!— grant hill (@realgranthill33) April 29, 2014
As far as Silver's announcement urging other team owners to force Sterling to sell the team, several current team owners have already come out in support of the decision.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban:
I agree 100% with Commissioner Silvers findings and the actions taken against Donald Sterling— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 29, 2014
Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert:
Commissioner Silver has made the right moves in response to this unfortunate absurd spectacle. #ZeroTolerance— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) April 29, 2014
Miami Heat owner Micky Arison:
Great job Adam.The @NBA is in good hands. You have my full support.— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) April 29, 2014
Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen:
I completely support NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s decisive action on the Sterling issue. Great leadership and the league is in good hands.— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) April 29, 2014
The Clippers also updated their official home page, following Silver's decision, to feature this image:
http://t.co/8BKAVVgPqM homepage right now. Nice. pic.twitter.com/LI7p1XXnE9— Sam Laird (@samcmlaird) April 29, 2014
The Clippers will play the Golden State Warriors in their first home game, since Sterling's remarks leaked, on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT.