NBPA: Players were prepared to boycott games

Clippers players were prepared to boycott tonight's game. (Noah Graham/National Basketball/Getty Images)

The NBA player's union has spoken out in favor of commissioner Adam Silver's sanctions and said that players were prepared to boycott games had the league failed to meet their demands for strong, immediate action against Donald Sterling, according to Arash Markazi of ESPN.

NBPA vice president Roger Mason Jr. said the players were satisfied with the decision to ban Sterling for life, and to attempt to force the sale of the team, but that they would like "a timetable from owners" on when the vote to strip Sterling of ownership will take place.

The NBPA press conference also featured Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, who had served as the union's liason with the commissioner's office since the story broke, in addition to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, all of whom applauded the league for its strong punishment of Sterling.

SI WIRE: NBA bans Donald Sterling for life, asks Board of Governors to force sale of Clippers

The Clippers have also released a statement that they "wholeheartedly support and embrace" Silver's decisions.

Roger Mason: "The players were ready to boycott if this action was not taken." pic.twitter.com/lRo4NlrNNK
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 29, 2014

Players union satisfied w/ NBA's decision but "we want a timetable from owners" for official Sterling removal, union VP Roger Mason said.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) April 29, 2014

Clippers statement says they "wholeheartedly support and embrace" NBA's decision. Much different from their vague statement a few days ago.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) April 29, 2014