Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was under fire for his racist comments, has been banned for life from ever being involved in professional basketball.

On top of the ban, Sterling has been ordered to pay a $2.5 million fine to the NBA for his remarks.

NBA's commissioner Adam Silver announced today: "I am banning Mr Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers associated or the NBA. He may not attend NBA games or practices. He may not be present at any Clippers facility. Though the NBA commissioner does not have the authority to force Sterling to sell the team, he said that he will 'urge the Board of Governors... to force a sale of the team and will do everything in my power to make sure that happens."

The $2.5 million fine is the maximum amount that could be issued by the NBA.

Sterling's racist comments were released in a recording where he said to his girlfriend V. Stiviano. "It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you're associating with black people," he said. "Do you have to? You can sleep with them. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that ... and not to bring them to my games."

After the offensive recording was released, the NBA launched an investigation into the recording and found that the voice was indeed Sterling's.

"I was hoping somehow that it was fraudulent or had been doctored," Silver said. When asked if Sterling apologized for the comments, Silva told reporters that "Mr Sterling has not expressed those views directly to me."

After the league's decision to ban Sterling, Magic Johnson tweeted: "Commissioner Silver showed great leadership in banning LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life."

SHAQ tweeted: "Way to go Commissioner Silver! The NBA stands for everybody!"

The ban comes shortly after reports that Magic Johnson and his billionaire partners may purchase the Los Angeles Clippers from Donald Sterling.

"Magic's absolutely interested," an NBA source told Yahoo Sports.