Donald Sterling - The Racist Clipper

People usually drop things to the media on Friday night to avoid the media buzz. Usually people do not talk about something as much on the weekend, and it can get ignored leading into Monday morning. Although there are things that are sometimes too big to ignore. An example would be Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, making racial remarks to his then girlfriend where Sterling does not want 'black people at his basketball games.'  This became a firestorm as everyone weigh in with their opinion, and while Adam Silver's first playoffs are a roaring success on the court, he has to deal with a black eye off it. 

None of this should be a surprise to people when it comes to Sterling. He is a known racist. After reading his rap sheet, it is mind blowing Sterling still owns an NBA team. The audio released by TMZ and Deadspin is stunning and disappointing a discussion like this is still needed on Wednesday.  It becomes even more laughable when you look at the picture that soured Sterling. If the NBA does not act, there will be terrible consequences.  

The fact notable names such as LeBron James, President Obama, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan all spoke against the Clippers owner as well as State Farm pulling their advertisements from the air featuring Clippers player Chris Paul. Sterling and his wife cannot attend Game 5 of the playoff game between Warriors and Clippers Tuesday night, and the belief is Sterling will be suspended by Silver indefinitely with probable suggestion Sterling should sell the team. But it is not that simple for the NBA as they do not have the same power that Major League Baseball did when it banned Marge Schott from baseball (I read this article about Schott six months ago which got her banned, absolutely fascinating and depressing stuff plus the fact Rick Reilly did a hell of a job reporting on it reminds you how good he once was a journalist). But could the Clippers possibly lose everyone and everything they have built in the last couple of years if Sterling remains owner? 

Blood is on the hands of David Stern for why the Clippers are the third seeded team in the Western Conference. Stern barred the trade sending Chris Paul to Los Angeles Lakers and instead he wound up traded to the Clippers forming one of the best duos in basketball with Blake Griffin. Stern doesn't allow it to happen, Griffin isn't on the team, Doc Rivers isn't the coach and this Clipper team is probably not a playoff team. Instead, they became one of the most public teams in basketball and professional sports as well as taking over the city of Los Angeles from the Lakers. Stern paved the way for his friend Sterling to get to prominence for the first time since the mid-80's. The fact Stern remained silent this weekend speaks volumes to how much Stern's hand was in the Clippers cookie jar. 

If Sterling remains as owner, I could see a mass exodus by the players. Paul, Griffin and Rivers are all under contract yet could all of them protest playing next season? I could see something where any of them could talk to their lawyers whom know a shit ton more than I do, could make a move saying 'This is an unsafe and unfair work environment.' My assumption is it will happen as the Clippers already made a statement on Sunday afternoon. Additionally, anyone whose a free agent next season is not coming back to Los Angeles if Sterling remains on as owner. All of this is more reason why Sterling should not be owning an NBA franchise in 2014-2015. 

But right now, Los Angeles has a critical Game 5 where they face a Warriors team that's beat them twice as well as once as Staples Center. There will likely be protests outside the arena as well as protests inside the arena. Clippers could use it as motivation finding a way to defy their owner and have all sorts of success without him getting to relish in the moments. Sterling loves the Clippers and thinks of himself as Mr. Clipper so if Los Angeles makes it to the NBA Finals without him sitting courtside would tear him apart in more ways than any of us probably know and might be the greatest punishment besides forcing him to sell the franchise.  

Sterling deserves to punished to the highest degree, and a part of me truly believes Silver will make a big splash as this is his first test as commissioner and if he screws up, it could be the avalanche of bad things to come in the next couple months. Hopefully Silver makes the right decision.

Charlie.