It was a little more than 11 years ago that Adam Silver was confronted by his first big challenge as NBA commissioner.

Donald Sterling , then the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, was caught on tape uttering racist remarks. Only a few days after the tape’s vile content became public, and only a few months after Silver took over the helm from his mentor, David Stern, the new commissioner banned Sterling from the league for life. Silver was widely heralded for wielding his power so decisively.

More than a decade on, Silver is faced with another instance of a Clippers owner bathed in what appears to be an awfully unflattering spotlight. Sadly for Silver, this case isn’t quite as cut and dried.

Thanks to the reporting of U.S. podcaster and journalist Pablo Torre and the Boston Sports

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