Sports World Reacts to Donald Sterling's Alleged Remarks

Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Ice Cube among top athletes, celebrities speaking out

The sports world took to Twitter with their reaction to the racist remarks Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling reportedly made during a phone call with his girlfriend. The comments were made in audio released by TMZSports.com Saturday and set off a firestorm on social media. NBC News has not confirmed the authenticity of the tape.

L.A. Clippers president Andy Roeser issued the following statement today in response to the allegations:

“We have heard the tape on TMZ. We do not know if it is legitimate or it has been altered. We do know that the woman on the tape — who we believe released it to TMZ — is the defendant in a lawsuit brought by the Sterling family alleging that she embezzled more than $1.8 million, who told Mr. Sterling that she would 'get even.' Mr. Sterling is emphatic that what is reflected on that recording is not consistent with, nor does it reflect his views, beliefs or feelings. It is the antithesis of who he is, what he believes and how he has lived his life. He feels terrible that such sentiments are being attributed to him and apologizes to anyone who might have been hurt by them. He is also upset and apologizes for sentiments attributed to him about Earvin Johnson. He has long considered Magic a friend and has only the utmost respect and admiration for him — both in terms of who he is and what he has achieved. We are investigating this matter.”

The woman on the tape is challenging the Sterling family's lawsuit.

At a news conference Saturday night, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the NBA will investigate the audio recording. He emphasized the fact that it has not been confirmed that the man on the tape is Sterling:

"All members of the NBA family should be afforded due process and a fair opportunity to present their side of any controversy, which is why I’m not yet prepared to discuss any potential sanctions against Donald Sterling."

Take a look at some of what NBA players, ex-basketball players and others have tweeted:

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