Historically, my problem with Donald Sterling has been his apathy for putting a good Clippers team on the court. Spending the least on the team and just living off of the TV revenue. Screw the fans, screw everyone, never showing up to any games until recently as he pretends to care now. Too little to late, he lost my respect back in the 80s and never regained it.
Elgin Baylor long time General Manager sued Donald Sterling for racism. The joke was no Owner would keep a General Manager who put a loosing team on the floor season after season and continue as GM. Maybe it was charity, maybe it was convenient to have a poorly paid GM just to maximize his TV revenue. Case dismissed.
Link to the Conversation with Donald Sterling and his Girlfriend (a woman named “V. Stiviano”) provided by TMZ Sports. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fthv5NmC6Fk Here is text of key dialogue.
DS: “Why are you taking pictures with minorities?” GF: “What wrong with minorities?” later, GF:”And you’re in love with me. And I’m black and Mexican. Whether you like it or not.”
Later, GF: “People call you and tell you that I have black people on my instagram and it bothers you.” DS: “Yes it bothers me a lot that you want to promo…broadcast that you are associating with black people. Do you have to?” GF: “You associate with black people.”
Further, GF: because of your upbringing? You want me to have hate towards black people? DS: I don’t want you to have hate. … I want you to love them – privately. In your whole life, everyday you can be with them. every single day of your life.” GF:”But not in public?” DS:”But why publicize it on the Instagram and why bring it to my games? GF:”Why bring the black people to the games…”
More, GF:”I’m sorry that you still have people around you that are full of racism and hate in their heart. I’m sorry that your’e still racist in your heart. I’m sorry that you live in a world… (comment Donald does not deny this! ) DS: Now about your whole life, everyday, you could do whatever you want. You can sleep with them, you can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote in that… and not to bring them to my games. I’m just saying, in your lousy Instagrams you don’t have to have yourself with, walking with black people. GF:”If it’s white people it’s OK? (SILENCE) GF:”If it was Larry Bird, would it have made a difference?”
Near the end, GF:”I saw someone I admire. I admire Magic Johnson… And I took a picture with someone I admire.” DS:”Good. I think the fact that you admire him – I’ve know him well, and he should be admired. And I’m just saying that it’s too bad you can’t admire him privately, … You can do anything. But don’t put him on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And don’t bring him to my games. OK?”
Donald Sterling consistently belittles her throughout the discussion like she has done something wrong. She is just asking questions to clarify what is the issue. Donald belittles her to put her in her place, to shut her down and good for her she stands up to him and does not really take it. She will probably be on the View soon, and other shows.
Should he be able to express his racist views without repercussion, Yes. It is called freedom of speech. Will it be without repercussion, remains to be seen.
It is better for a racist to communicate his racist views without repercussion so people know where they stand with them instead of everyone hiding their beliefs so you do not know who will gladly stab you in the back. Political Correctness and hate crime laws has put the racists in the closet, not good. As a youth every one used racist terms and no one was offended. People believed in two sayings. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” “I disagree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Now, words are criminal, devastate emotionally people who have been treated like babies their entire lives, and freedom of speech is dead.
This could be the best thing to the Clippers organization since it was founded. Maybe the pressure will make him decide to sell the team to an owner who cares. Would be nice. Maybe Magic Johnson has some money left in the bank? Team name change, the Los Angeles Magics, no conflict.