Donald Sterling's punishment from Adam Silver. Too much, just right?

As of late the commisoner of the NBA, Adam Silver, has slapped a life time ban on Donald Sterling, as well as a $2.5 miliion penalty. Sterlin is the owner of the LA Clippers. Is this punishment just right for the rasicst billionair? Do you think there is anyway that he dodges this bullet?  Can the NBA actually force Sterling to sell the team that he owns. Is is possibly wrong to punish someone for his personal opinion, when it was said in the comfort of his own home? I despise Sterling, but I would like to look at this situation from both sides. I encourage the public to weigh in.