After being recorded making racist statements about the African-American community and showing his displeasure for Magic Johnson's presence with his girlfriend, the NBA is coming down hard on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. 

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has already banned Sterling from ever attending an NBA game (including the Clippers), and he has no authority whatsoever when it comes to making basketball decisions with other basketball owners. Sterling was also fined the NBA maximum penalty of $2.5 million. 

On Monday, May 19, the NBA announced it will be pressing charges against Sterling with damaging the league with racists comments.

The hearing is scheduled for June 3, where owners will then afterwards determine if Sterling is "suitable" to be an owner. If the NBA gets a three quarters vote, then Sterling would be removed as full-time owner of the Clippers, a position he has held since 1981. Sterling has yet to pay the $2.5 million fine handed down by the NBA, and has no intention of doing so, according to his lawyer. Sterling also has the right to appear at the hearing on June 3 to hear and make a statement. In other words, Sterling has the right to show up to court in front of the owners and Commissioner Silver to defend himself if he desires.

Sterling has been on the wrong side of the news before and that will be used against him. According to The Los Angeles Times, Sterling had a settlement for $2.675 million dollars in 2009. The settlement stemmed from discrimination towards African-Americans and Latinos in apartment buildings in Los Angeles County and his refusal to rent to certain ethnic groups.

All of this will be cited as having a damaging impact on the NBA. Players -- including LeBron James -- were ready to boycott playoff games until Sterling was banned. There's nothing sports leagues hate worse than negative publicity. With all the negative racist history surrounding Sterling and huge fan/player disapproval, Sterling's dismissal from the team seems like a foregone conclusion. 

It doesn't appear as if Mr. Sterling has as many friends as he thinks he does. Various NBA owners -- such as Michael Jordan -- have already expressed their displeasure with Sterling.

Sterling's wife Rochelle will attempt to "keep" an interest and stock in the team, but if Donald Sterling's ownership is terminated, she has no authority.

For up-to-date sports news, scores and more, follow Latin Post Sports on Twitter.