TMZ is reporting that Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling went on a racist rant during an argument with girlfriend V. Stiviano. You can listen to the alleged conversation below.
Sterling expressed frustration that his girlfriend associated with 'minorities' in public and said he didn't approve of her posting pictures online via Instagram. The recording is unsurprisingly garnering plenty of attention.
Some of Sterling's comments centered around NBA legend Magic Johnson: 'Don't put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And don't bring him to my games.'
Reacting, Johnson told TMZ, 'It's a shame that Donald Sterling feels that way about African-Americans... He has a team full of amazing African-American basketball players that are working to bring a championship to Clippers fans. The Clippers also have a strong minority fan base.'
He also posted on Twitter.
TMZ reported this morning that Clippers owner Donald Sterling doesn't want me or other African-Americans to come to Clippers games.
- Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
I feel sorry for my friends Coach Doc Rivers and Chris Paul that they have to work for a man that feels that way about African Americans.
- Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
AP Sports and USA Today's Sam Amick reports that the league, per spokesman Michael Bass, is already investigating the matter.
#NBA looking into alleged racist recording of Clippers owner Donald Sterling (@agonzalezAP) http://t.co/hCFuCmBzN3
- AP Sports (@AP_Sports) April 26, 2014
The issue may be addressed in a press conference with Adam Silver on Sunday according to Turner Sports' Rachel Nichols.
New NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will give a press conference tonight before Thunder/Grizzlies. Will he suspend Clips owner Donald Sterling?
- Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 26, 2014
The Clippers are talking about it, too, but have yet to discuss Sterling's vitriol publicly.
TMZ is reporting that, according to Stephen A. Smith, some Clippers considered not playing in Game 4 on Sunday:
ESPN reporter Stephen A. Smith says several members of the L.A. Clippers considered not taking the floor tomorrow against the Golden State Warriors as a protest against team owner Donald Sterling. Smith says several players on the team are FURIOUS after hearing the comments Sterling made to his girlfriend in an audio tape published by TMZ Sports. Its (sic) unclear what will happen tomorrow - but Reverend Jesse Jackson has suggested the team employ a 'symbolic expression' to show their disdain and disapproval for Sterling.
Chris Paul has already responded in his capacity as president of the NBA Players Union, courtesy of the National Basketball Players Association, per Howard Beck:
On behalf of the National Basketball Players Association, this is a very serious issue which we will address aggressively. We have asked Mayor Kevin Johnson to expand his responsibilities with the NBPA, to determine our response and our next steps. As players, we owe it to our teams and our fans to keep our focus on our game, the playoffs, and the drive to the Finals.
Mayor Kevin Johnson-originally assigned to search for a new Executive Director-will spearhead the NBPA's efforts concerning Sterling. He addressed the process as well:
The reported comments made by Clippers owner Donald Sterling are reprehensible and unacceptable. The National Basketball Players Association must and will play a very active role in determining how this issue is addressed. There needs to be an immediate investigation and if the reports are true, there needs to be strong and swift action taken. I have spoken with NBPA President Chris Paul and will be leading the NBPA in addressing the implications of this serious matter.
It'll be very interesting to see how Chris Paul responds to Donald Sterling's remarks. Remember, CP3 is the President of the players' union.
- Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) April 26, 2014
Center DeAndre Jordan already has to some degree courtesy of Instagram.
Miami Heat players James Jones and Chris Bosh both say the league should punish Sterling if the report is confirmed.
Donald Sterling's comments were major topic of discussion among Heat players on bus.
- Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) April 26, 2014
Chris Bosh & James Jones both waiting 2 hear more. But if Sterling said what has been reported, they say league must take action.
- Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) April 26, 2014
Chris Bosh on Sterling: 'I think the league will step in for sure. Because we are trying to grow the game globally. It's not just L.A.'
- Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) April 26, 2014
Indiana Pacers forward David West had more extended thoughts.
DWest on Sterling: 'U can't be naïve about the thoughts and mindsets of people in this country. U just can't be naïve about this (stuff).'
- Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) April 26, 2014
Others aren't commenting.
As the story spreads, so too has universal condemnation of the comments.
Donald Sterling has the mentality of an antebellum slave master: he makes $ off Blacks but doesn't see them as equals deserving of respect
- Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) April 26, 2014
Pop on the Donald Sterling audio and alleged racist remarks: 'Obviously it's disgusting.'
- Jeff Caplan (@Caplan_NBA) April 26, 2014
Stephen A. Smith said he was 'appalled' but 'wasn't too surprised.'
The TNT crew also had its say during halftime of the Pacers-Hawks Game 4.
Ernie Johnson: 'If it's true, there's no place in the league for Donald Sterling, in my mind.'
- Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) April 26, 2014
Other analysts have covered the story and its implications.
The fact that Sterling has such a sketchy history also sheds light on the comments. The extent to which we aren't more surprised is a sad commentary on the Clippers' owner.
Donald Sterling: evicting blacks from apartments, courtside seats, and his girlfriend's instagram since forever.
- netw3rk (@netw3rk) April 26, 2014
If NBA didn't hit Donald Sterling when he paid largest federal housing discrimination settlement ever, I don't expect much now
- J.A. Adande (@jadande) April 26, 2014
My point is this TMZ story isnt even Top 10 in worst things Donald Sterling's said/done. But hey, they got Capone on taxes, so....
- J.A. Adande (@jadande) April 26, 2014
The big question going forward is how the league can and should respond.
Forcing Donald Sterling out of NBA will be hard. He might sue NBA for breach of franchise agreement & sue other owners under antitrust law.
- Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) April 26, 2014
So long as Sterling remains the Clippers' owner, there will be a bad taste surrounding the organization. It may take an all-out coup to get him out of the picture, but stay tuned for what happens next.
The Clippers are 14 very realistic wins away from Donald Sterling being handed the Larry O'Brien trophy.
- RealGM (@RealGM) April 26, 2014
Hopefully that's a scene we can avoid, even if the Clippers do win.
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