Donald Sterling should not receive tax break, two lawmakers say

Embattled Clippers owner Donald Sterling may be able write off his critics but, if two state lawmakers have their way, he won’t have the same option when it comes to his NBA fine and his taxes.

Two Los Angeles-area Assembly members filed legislation Tuesday to 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 league for life and fined him $2.5 million after a nationwide uproar over his comments about African Americans. The action came after recordings surfaced that captured the 80-year-old Clippers owner telling a female friend that he did not want to see her at Clippers games with black people.

The bill was filed by Democrats 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, chairman of the Revenue and Taxation Committee. “This fine is intended as a punishment; it should not be used as a tax loophole.’’