Donald Sterling has responded to the TMZ report which included further evidence of his racist shitbaggery. In a statement to TMZ, Sterling and the team claim to have heard the audio and question whether it is been doctored. The statement makes clear that he is definitely not a racist and that the tape does not reflect his beliefs. "It is the antithesis of who he is."
He also goes on to attack the credibility of V. Stiviano.
Sterling and the Clippers organization tell TMZ Sports, "We have heard the tape on TMZ. We do not know if it is legitimate or it has been altered."
The statement goes on ... 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.'"
It would seem that Team Sterling has taken the position that it is unsure of the tape's authenticity—a position that necessarily includes the possibility that the tape (which is a recording of Donald Sterling being racist) is authentic—while also stating he is not racist. Sterling also apologizes if anyone was offended by the racist comments attributed to him.
Commissioner Adam Silver is scheduled to address the matter tonight at 8:30 on NBA TV.
