Clippers Coach: “Start of a Healing Process”

Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday evening he supports the NBA's censure of team owner Donald Sterling over racist remarks.

Rivers said at a press conference before his team's playoff game that he agreed with Sterling's lifetime ban from the NBA, announced Tuesday by league commissioner Adam Silver.

"He made a decision that really was the right one, that had to be made," Rivers said. "Is this over? No, it’s not over. But it’s the start of a healing process that we need, and it’s a start for our organization to get through this, and that’s very important."

Asked whether he still wanted to work for Sterling, he said, "I don't know if I am."

Rivers remarked on the unfair burden he said was placed on the targets of racism and on his players to respond publicly to the controversy.

"Everyone was waiting on them to give a response. And I kept thinking, they didn't do anything, yet they have to respond," he said.

"Our players have done the best that they could possibly do," he added.

Rivers said he hasn't thought about his future.

"This isn’t about me or what I’m doing, or want to do," he said. "I want to coach. I love coaching. I’ve enjoyed these guys."

Rivers had said on Monday that Donald Sterling's racist remarks hurt his players.

"I would like to reiterate how disappointed I am in the comments attributed to (Sterling), and I can't even begin to tell you how upset I am and our players are," Rivers said in a phone conference with the media.

He said he met with the members of the organization, many of whom were hurt.

"That was what I got from all of them," he said. "They are now a part of this, and they are upset at this.

Recordings of Sterling telling girlfriend V. Stiviano he didn't appreciate her publicly associating with blacks or bringing them to Clippers games have surfaced amid a lawsuit in which Sterling's wife is demanding Stiviano turn over several fancy cars and a duplex the billionaire gave her.

The NBA has said that its investigation confirmed that it was Sterling who made the comments on the recording.

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