April 28, 2014
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In a recorded telephone conversation obtained by TMZ, Sterling made it crystal clear that he does not like black people, that he does not want them attending his games and that he does not want his Black and Mexican mixed-raced girlfriend to acknowledge her African-American heritage. Since his racist rant went viral, everyone from A to Z has had their say about his words.
NBA legend Magic Johnson (who was photographed sitting next to Sterling’s girlfriend at a Clippers game and was specifically mentioned in the racist conversation) has vowed to NEVER attend another Clippers game as long as Sterling is the owner. The LA Clippers team, currently involved in the NBA playoffs, had discussed boycotting their games and just not showing up. Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and other NBA players expressed dismay over his words, even mentioning how free agent players might now bypass the Clippers as a desired landing spot. Snoop Dogg (AKA “Snoop Lion”) recorded a profanity laced video rebuttal to Sterling. Even President Obama, a longtime basketball fan, chimed in to say how deeply depressing it was that Sterling would possess such sentiment. But was Donald Sterling really in the wrong for stating his own personal opinions during what he believed to be a private phone conversation?
Granted, racism in any form and in any forum is wrong and despicable. However, since Sterling believed he was having a PRIVATE phone conversation with his girlfriend and did not make a public statement about his beliefs, is that worthy of punishment? If so, how many other NBA owners, Fortune 500 CEO’s and other movers and shakers should be reprimanded for making a flippant comment to a best buddy, or whispering a controversial remark to their significant other while in bed?
On the other hand, this is not Sterling’s first brush with racism. He has a long and documented history of racially charged comments and viewpoints that have had him in hot water in the past. The NBA also has strict guidelines in place for such behavior, which Sterling agreed to adhere to in order to obtain his franchise. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is expected to act swiftly in his response to Sterling’s remakrs.
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So, should Donald Sterling be penalized for his nasty racism, or should we all simply recognize the zebra for his stripes and move on?
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