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Sherman asks regulators prioritize inquiries of racial discrimination by companies owned by Don Sterling

May 7, 2014

Embattled Clippers owner Donald Sterling may be able to write off his critics, but if two state lawmakers have their way, he won't have the same option with the $2.5-million fine imposed on him by the NBA.

Two state Assembly members from Los Angeles filed legislation Tuesday that would prevent sports team owners from writing off league fines as a business expense when they file their state income tax returns.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the basketball league for life and fined him after a nationwide uproar over comments he made about African Americans.

The bill was filed by Democratic Assemblymen Raul Bocanegra of Pacoima and Reggie Jones-Sawyer of Los Angeles.

"Donald Sterling's outrageous comments and historic fine should not be rewarded with a multimillion-dollar tax refund," said Bocanegra, who chairs the Revenue and Taxation Committee. "This fine is intended as a punishment; it should not be used as a tax loophole."

The new legislation, AB 877, which amends an existing bill, has yet to be reviewed by legislative analysts or scheduled for a committee hearing.

Meanwhile, Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) has asked city, state and federal regulators to "prioritize" inquiries into any allegations that Sterling's companies engaged in racial discrimination against people who sought to rent apartments at the billionaire's residential properties.

In a letter to the regulators, Sherman cited a payment of more than $2.7 million that Sterling made in 2009 to settle federal claims that he discriminated against tenants. Sherman's letter did not say there were allegations pending against Sterling or his companies.

A Sterling representative did not return a call late Tuesday seeking comment. In the 2009 settlement, Sterling did not admit liability.