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Hall of Fame basketball player Magic Johnson says he's pleased with the decision to ban Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life from any association with the NBA for making racist comments.

Johnson told reporters in Saginaw, Mich., on Tuesday that the announcement of Sterling's punishment by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver marked "a great day for the United States." Johnson says he hopes fans will return to Clippers games.

TMZ released an audio recording last weekend of Sterling talking to a female companion. In the recording, Sterling questions her association with minorities, including Johnson.

Silver on Tuesday delivered the penalty along with a $2.5 million fine.

Johnson grew up in Lansing, Mich., and played at Michigan State. He was in Saginaw for the "Magic of a Promise" education fundraiser.