Tom Dougherty, CSNPhilly.com

PHILADELPHIA - Soul co-owner Cosmo DeNicola held a team meeting before practice Tuesday to address the racist comments from Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Tuesday banned Sterling for life from the league and fined him the maximum $2.5 million.

“While many personalities and franchise owners have addressed the issue publicly, I felt it was extremely important to speak to our players in person,” DeNicola said in a statement. “I wanted to make sure that they knew the comments made by Sterling in no way reflect the beliefs of myself and the rest of the Philadelphia Soul ownership.”

DeNicola, a Philadelphia native and Temple graduate, focused on team unity, positivity and “brotherly love.” He gathered with the team for a team picture with players holding signs displaying #TEAM, #LOVE and #FAMILY.