Michael Jordan, a five-time NBA MVP, six-time World Champion with the Chicago Bulls is widely regarded to be the greatest player of all time. He’s the current owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, who have had some issues. Michael Jordan almost never speaks out on public issues.
His infamous “Republicans buy shoes too” quote of many years ago perfectly encapsulates his usual apolitical stance. However, the bigoted remarks by L.A. Clippers Owner Donald Sterling, well we have to say alleged remarks until it’s proven that the voice on the tape is indeed Sterling, out-raged Michael Jordan.
Jordan released a statement Sunday saying he is outraged and disgusted by the comments.
“As an owner, I’m obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views,” Michael Jordan said.
“I’m confident that Adam Silver will make a full investigation and take appropriate action quickly. As a former player, I’m completely outraged.”
“There is no room in the NBA — or anywhere else — for the kind of racism and hatred that Mr. Sterling allegedly expressed. I am appalled that this type of ignorance still exists within our country and at the highest levels of our sport. In a league where the majority of players are African-American, we cannot and must not tolerate discrimination at any level.”
Another one of the league’s all-time greatest icons, Magic Johnson, went on ABC’s NBA Countdown show to express his disgust and outrage. Even President Barack Obama weighed in on the issue when asked at a news conference with Malaysia’s prime minister.
“Incredibly offensive racist statements,” POTUS said.
“I don’t think I have to interpret those statements for you, they kind of speak for themselves,” Obama said. “When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don’t really have to do anything. You just let them talk. And that’s what happened here.”
Obama also said the United States still wrestles with “the legacy of race and slavery and segregation.”
“Obviously, the NBA is a league that is beloved by fans all across the country,” Obama said. “It’s got an awful lot of African-American players. It’s steeped in African-American culture. And, I suspect that the NBA is going to be deeply concerned in resolving this.”
Paul M. Banks owns The Sports Bank.net, an affiliate of Fox Sports. He’s also a frequent guest on national talk radio. Banks is a former contributor to NBC Chicago and the Washington Times, who’s been featured on the History Channel. President Obama follows him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)