Adam Silver won't punish Donald Sterling — yet

MEMPHIS — New NBA commissioner Adam Silver said he will not take immediate action against Clippers owner Donald Sterling for alleged racist comments but promised to wrap up an investigation into the scandal "in the next few days."

Silver, facing his first major controversy since succeeding David Stern earlier this season, said at a press conference before the Grizzlies-Oklahoma City playoff game that the league "plans to get to the bottom" of whether a recording alleged to be Sterling making racist comments is authentic.

"All members of the NBA family should be afforded due process," said Silver. "Which is why I'm not yet prepared to issue any potential sanctions against Donald Sterling. We will move extraordinarily quickly. We plan to have this wrapped up in the next few days."

Silver said Sterling will not attend Sunday's playoff game between the Clippers and Golden State Warriors in midst of backlash.

The NBA, labeling the remarks "disturbing and offensive" in an earlier statement, is currently conducting a "full investigation" on the audio, which was obtained by TMZ, and features a man identified as Sterling telling his girlfriend not to bring black people to games. The recorded argument was based on an Instagram photo of Sterling's girlfriend posing with Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson.

"The core of the investigation is understanding whether the tape is authentic and interviewing Donald Sterling," Silver said.

The Clippers issued a statement saying, "Mr. Sterling is emphatic that what is reflected on that recording is not consistent with, nor does it reflect his views, beliefs or feelings."

Silver, who called the situation "unfortunate" and "overshadowing," said he spoke to Clippers coach Doc Rivers and point guard Chris Paul regarding the next steps.

"The situation is most unfair to the Clippers players and coaches who have to deal with these distractions," he said.

There is serious pressure on Silver — who is facing his first major issue since replacing David Stern in February – as the the union, players and coaches eagerly await the decision.

"As the commissioner of our league, they have to make a stand," Miami Heat star LeBron James said before Silver's news conference. "I believe in Adam (Silver) and I believe in the NBA and they have to do something very fast before this really gets out of hand. …There is no room for Donald Sterling in our league."

***

Scott Gleeson, a national basketball writer/digital producer for USA TODAY Sports, is on Twitter @ScottMGleeson.