L.A. Clippers Owner Donald Sterling has been much maligned for some time. He’s regarded to be one of the worst guys in the NBA. And the Donald Sterling news breaking this morning only further destroys his reputation.
Donald Sterling does not want it broadcast that she is “associating with black people,” including Magic Johnson. If a player can get fined and suspended for mouthing off or shoving a player, surely an owner should be suspended for telling his girlfriend she shouldn’t be seen with African-Americans? The NBA is investigating Sterling, and there’s already a grassroots movement to get him suspended.
You can hear the audio recording and sign the petition: FansRising.com/Sterling
The response so far this morning has been swift and strong. Magic responded by saying “It’s a shame that Donald Sterling feels this way about African-Americans.” Jesse Jackson said the league “must respond and respond quickly.” And a chorus of fans are joining in — showing the league will not tolerate this racism.
It’s unfortunate for the Clippers that both their owner and their star player, Blake Griffin, hold socially regressive, backwards views about the world that thankfully, only a small percentage of the population believes. It came out just eleven days ago that Griffin believes in creationism. Yes, he actually thinks the Earth is only 6,000 years old. Between Donald Sterling and Blake Griffin, the Clippers are, well they are who you thought they were.
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)