The Hypocrisy of Clippers Owner Donald Sterling
When I look at the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team I see a team full of talent and driven to win a championship. It is a team that struggled for so long but over the last few years they have really turned it around. The Clippers have become as equal as the Lakers in popularity and the view of people in the city. However not everyone feels the way I do and the way the rest of Clippers fans do.
A phone recording that was sent to TMZ is the alleged voice of Clippers owner Donald Sterling being harsh with his girlfriend by making statements such as,”It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?” He continues by saying, “You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that … and not to bring them to my games.” This all stems from Sterlings girlfriend V. Stiviano posting a photo of her and Magic Johnson on Instagram which since been removed. Officials are still trying to figure out if it was Sterlings voice or not. However it is clear that it was his voice then some serious action needs to be taken.
This is not the first allegations of racism that Sterling has had against him. There are players past and present who have claimed the he is a racist. Others in the media have said so as well. If he is truly is a racist why does he African American players playing for him? If it’s to make money for him then wouldn’t that be considered as the same thing as slavery? It sure sounds like it to me. There is room in sports, society and in this country for racists or racism. I honestly thought we have moved on from that but some people still show the hate and ignorance. So one has to ask, what kind of action will be taken?
If I was the NBA Commissioner there are a few things I would consider. I would consider kicking him out of the league all together since he has a long history of racism. It is unfair to the coaches and players in the league to have to deal with such a man. With that being said I would offer any African American player, coach or staff member of the Clippers to get out of their contract without any penalty. No member of the Clippers should be subjected to work for this owner. Lastly, this is very extreme but I will say it anyways. I think there should be 1-3 period where he is not allowed to sign or draft any African American player. If you want to be a racist then maybe your team should reflect it and see how downhill you go from there.
The NBA should not allow a hypocrite such as Donald Sterling to have control of the Clippers or to make money off of people his racist against. I am angered by this story and feel for those who have to work for this man. I really hope the NBA takes action and I hope the Clippers players do something to send a message that this will not be tolerated.
Racism is hate, and hate is wrong. I hope this man seeks help for whatever issues he has. I hope he relinquishes his team to someone who cares and who doesn’t have that attitude. Only time will tell if Donald Sterling will be dealt with the right way.
