Atlanta Hawks owmer Bruce Levenson will sell his controlling interest of the team after admitting he sent an email that stereotypes African-American fans in 2012.

Levenson announced the decision this Sunday along with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. According to Silver, the issue was discussed with other owners late last week but only few were aware of the Sunday's announcement.

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''After much long and difficult contemplation, I have decided that it is in the best interests of the team, the Atlanta community, and the NBA to sell my controlling interest in the Hawks franchise.'' said Levenson.

Levenson claimed that the email he sent to General Manager Danny Ferry two years ago was written in hopes of bridging Atlanta's racial sports divide.  Instead, the message suggested his theory that Hawks' black fans are pushing the white fans away.

"I wrote an e-mail two years ago that was inappropriate and offensive," said Levenson.

Furthermore, the email also states that the Hawks had too many black cheerleaders.

Silver said that Levenson self-reported the incident in July which prompted a league investigation.

Levenson also expressed his regrets for the racial message.  

"If you're angry about what I wrote, you should be. I'm angry at myself, too. It was inflammatory nonsense. We all may have subtle biases and preconceptions when it comes to race, but my role as a leader is to challenge them, not to validate or accommodate those who might hold them."

''I have said repeatedly that the NBA should have zero tolerance for racism, and I strongly believe that to be true. That is why I voluntarily reported my inappropriate email to the NBA."

According to Silver, Hawks CEO Steve Koonin will oversee the team's operations while it is undergoing the sale process.

Levenson strongly criticized Donald Sterling, former owner of the Los Angeles clippers. The NBA banned Sterling for life after the he was caught making racial comments on tape.

Levenson became the Hawks' controlling owner and governor in 2004.

TagsAtlanta Haws, Adam Silver, Donald Sterling