Donald Sterling up to his old tricks
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ugh. donald sterling is such a grade-a douchenozzle. always has been. always will be. but now we're seeing how the power of the twitter era is changing the ways in we approach these revealing moments in the lives of terrible men. it's so difficult to hide from this kind of buffoonery when so much of the world is online at all times, and, perhaps more importantly, the conversation doesn't just go away like it used to. you don't get to settle with or buy off the people's court on twitter, on facebook, on every minor and major media outlet in this hyper-saturated age of information...
and while there are certainly negative qualities attached to "the outrage machine" that the internet has created, it seems really important to me that racists like donald sterling are being exposed to audiences all over the country. these audiences are made up of people who, even just five years ago, would otherwise not have had access to the larger discourses surrounding their backwards and idiotic statements. the increasingly "social" internet has given everyone a voice, and while one individual's online outrage doesn't amount to much, millions of those voices saying the same thing matters quite a lot ...
donald sterling has long been enabled by the league, has long been able to get away with being one of the most repugnant owners in professional sports, but i find it hard to believe that the nba--always the most forward-thinking and progressive of the majors--will be able to ignore the noise directed their way from social media. adam silver has been thrown his first major test as commissioner, and the fans will demand action, as will the players...
and while there are certainly negative qualities attached to "the outrage machine" that the internet has created, it seems really important to me that racists like donald sterling are being exposed to audiences all over the country. these audiences are made up of people who, even just five years ago, would otherwise not have had access to the larger discourses surrounding their backwards and idiotic statements. the increasingly "social" internet has given everyone a voice, and while one individual's online outrage doesn't amount to much, millions of those voices saying the same thing matters quite a lot ...
donald sterling has long been enabled by the league, has long been able to get away with being one of the most repugnant owners in professional sports, but i find it hard to believe that the nba--always the most forward-thinking and progressive of the majors--will be able to ignore the noise directed their way from social media. adam silver has been thrown his first major test as commissioner, and the fans will demand action, as will the players...
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There's a reason I never cheered for a hometown team and rooted for the Clippers. A lot of "worst owners ever" talk about the Maloofs here, but I always wanted to raise my hand and point to my Exhibit A. He was cheap and profit-driven from the get-go. And when he decided to actually start spending some of that wealth he accumulated by being cheap, the allegations of discrimination and racism started coming out. He goes beyond Maloofian buffoonery. I feel horrible for the conflicted fans and am curious what they'll do if Sterling isn't forced to sell the team and relinquishes ownership to his son-in-law instead (as rumored).
He was about to get a lifetime achievement award from the local NAACP but they decided to not go ahead with it. A representative of the NAACP said maybe they should have vetted him better. Ya think??? Apparently Sterling donates a lot of money to the local branch of the NAACP. How could they have missed that he was a racist? The lawsuit about his racist treatment of tenants occurred in 2009, right? The NAACP must have missed that as they couldn't see over the piles of money shoved their way. There is enough "stupid" to go around.
Sterling may be a racist but he has also learned that as a rich man, he can buy his way out of criticism. Heck, he can buy himself some praise from the same people who disgust him. I am sure there is something profound to be made of this but I am missing it. The rich live in a different world than the rest of us. That's probably why he seemed so confused about his mistress's comments. She IS a mistress, ya know.
This whole situation stinks.
Sterling may be a racist but he has also learned that as a rich man, he can buy his way out of criticism. Heck, he can buy himself some praise from the same people who disgust him. I am sure there is something profound to be made of this but I am missing it. The rich live in a different world than the rest of us. That's probably why he seemed so confused about his mistress's comments. She IS a mistress, ya know.
This whole situation stinks.
A little protest at the game today
http://thinkprogress.org/sports/201...-protest-racist-comments-before-playoff-game/
http://thinkprogress.org/sports/201...-protest-racist-comments-before-playoff-game/
Here's what I don't get though. Sterling has always been like this and it's been documented publically for a long time. SI ranked him as the worst owner in sports and ESPN the magazine wrote an article detailing his goofiness and racist ways but people just sort of swept it under the rug. It didn't stop players from signing with the Clippers but all of a sudden, it's a firestorm. My question is why wasn't it a firestorm before?
I have inside connections on this since I live in a Sterling owned building and I work for a company that does business with Carl Douglas, the attorney who represented former GM and NBA great, Elgin Baylor. Some of you may remember Douglas as being part of the legal dream team that defended OJ Simpson. He was the other African American attorney hired by Simpson due to working under Johnnie Cochran in Cochran's firm.
Baylor sued Sterling in a discrimination suit after getting fired. Personally, I thought it was bogus simply because Baylor's testimonies regarding Sterling's racism go all the way back to the late 80's when they were trying to sign Danny Manning. This was 7 years before the rookie salary cap came into play. My thinking is simply, if you were so offended by by Sterling, why did you continue working for him for 20 years? Sterling justifiably won the suit but the racist allegations came to light but people weren't nearly as outraged as they are now. During the Manning situation, Sterling wondered why he had to pay this "poor black boy" and saying "I'm about to pay this poor black boy a ton of money".
He also said that he demanded that there be a white coach with an all black starting lineup so that his team could mirror a slavery plantation.
There was also the suit that had nothing to do with basketball but rather his racist renting practices where he would tell landlords to only rent to Koreans in Koreatown as opposed to blacks and Mexicans because the latter two "smelled bad and smoked". As the only white person living a Sterling building with 500 people, I have a unique perspective and have seen the changes. When I moved here in 1995, there weren't many blacks but the building was pretty much completely Korean and Latino but the ration was roughly three latinos to every Korean. Now it's the other way around with 3 Koreans for every latino. I assumed that they were trying to keep latinos from renting and sure enough, that is what the big guy wanted.
The guy is twisted to no end. I have great respect for the Koreans in this building but I find it bizarre that Sterling says no blacks or latinos because they "stink and smoke" when it's the Koreans who smoke like chimneys and cook kimche (sp?) that stinks up the building. I'd have more respect for him if he was just honest about his reservations or just sold altogether. I'm almost at the point of wanting to move but the rent control saves me a ton of money and this economy right now, I need to save everything I can.
All that aside, I have no idea what the league can do or if they legally can do anything. All I ever hear is a year long suspension and a million dollar fine. That does nothing. A million gets you the guy at the end of the bench.
Year long suspension? But does he still profit? If not, where does the money come from? Does the league take over for a year? And even then, he still has the team a year later. I wish there was someone who could talk this guy into selling.
Lastly, and I know we have another thread on this, but there's always the Seattle angle so I have to wonder if this is the best and only shot at getting back to Seattle.
Unlike Stern, Silver seems to be making it a priority behind closed doors while publically sticking to the no expansion policy. If there is no expansion then getting Sterling to sell to Hansen would seem to be the best move. The LA market isn't abandoned since they still have the Lakers. Love them or hate them, they are much more important and beloved in LA and you don't waste a building since the Clipper homecourt already has an NBA and NHL team. While it may not be a priority for us on this board, getting back to Seattle is something the league would like to do so this would seem to be the best way to do that and get rid of a nut job owner all in one fell swoop.
I have inside connections on this since I live in a Sterling owned building and I work for a company that does business with Carl Douglas, the attorney who represented former GM and NBA great, Elgin Baylor. Some of you may remember Douglas as being part of the legal dream team that defended OJ Simpson. He was the other African American attorney hired by Simpson due to working under Johnnie Cochran in Cochran's firm.
Baylor sued Sterling in a discrimination suit after getting fired. Personally, I thought it was bogus simply because Baylor's testimonies regarding Sterling's racism go all the way back to the late 80's when they were trying to sign Danny Manning. This was 7 years before the rookie salary cap came into play. My thinking is simply, if you were so offended by by Sterling, why did you continue working for him for 20 years? Sterling justifiably won the suit but the racist allegations came to light but people weren't nearly as outraged as they are now. During the Manning situation, Sterling wondered why he had to pay this "poor black boy" and saying "I'm about to pay this poor black boy a ton of money".
He also said that he demanded that there be a white coach with an all black starting lineup so that his team could mirror a slavery plantation.
There was also the suit that had nothing to do with basketball but rather his racist renting practices where he would tell landlords to only rent to Koreans in Koreatown as opposed to blacks and Mexicans because the latter two "smelled bad and smoked". As the only white person living a Sterling building with 500 people, I have a unique perspective and have seen the changes. When I moved here in 1995, there weren't many blacks but the building was pretty much completely Korean and Latino but the ration was roughly three latinos to every Korean. Now it's the other way around with 3 Koreans for every latino. I assumed that they were trying to keep latinos from renting and sure enough, that is what the big guy wanted.
The guy is twisted to no end. I have great respect for the Koreans in this building but I find it bizarre that Sterling says no blacks or latinos because they "stink and smoke" when it's the Koreans who smoke like chimneys and cook kimche (sp?) that stinks up the building. I'd have more respect for him if he was just honest about his reservations or just sold altogether. I'm almost at the point of wanting to move but the rent control saves me a ton of money and this economy right now, I need to save everything I can.
All that aside, I have no idea what the league can do or if they legally can do anything. All I ever hear is a year long suspension and a million dollar fine. That does nothing. A million gets you the guy at the end of the bench.
Year long suspension? But does he still profit? If not, where does the money come from? Does the league take over for a year? And even then, he still has the team a year later. I wish there was someone who could talk this guy into selling.
Lastly, and I know we have another thread on this, but there's always the Seattle angle so I have to wonder if this is the best and only shot at getting back to Seattle.
Unlike Stern, Silver seems to be making it a priority behind closed doors while publically sticking to the no expansion policy. If there is no expansion then getting Sterling to sell to Hansen would seem to be the best move. The LA market isn't abandoned since they still have the Lakers. Love them or hate them, they are much more important and beloved in LA and you don't waste a building since the Clipper homecourt already has an NBA and NHL team. While it may not be a priority for us on this board, getting back to Seattle is something the league would like to do so this would seem to be the best way to do that and get rid of a nut job owner all in one fell swoop.
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My own opinion: the most I feel sorry for is the fans. He's telling his mistress(whom btw is being sued by his estranged wife for the gifts he's bought her) not to bring black people to the games. Not that I would check every single person's ticket by the color of their skin....but I'd be hard pressed not to assume that those same black people are lining his pockets by attending his games.
They asked their biggest supporter "Clipper" Darrell to stop associating himself with their team.
While I'd like for him to take his money and go "for the best interest of the NBA" it's no secret he feels how he feels. Racial lawsuits haven't stopped him before so what makes this different.
I can't remember if there is a "for the good of the league" clause. If there is, that could stop him. He's 80. That could stop him. Maybe the wife will have some influence but I note she is at the game so may not want to give up the fun of a front row seat. They have been married since 1957 and her team makes a symbolic protest while she cleans off her seat to watch the game. Where's her protest? Heck, she doesn't even know if that is her husband's voice. She is working very hard to make excuses yet she says she isn't racist.
The family is suing the girlfriend. He has a mistress so sue her. Because of the law suit, she said she would get him back. Maybe so but she isn't talking for him so let's keep the laser light of criticism focused where it should be. He's a racist so the local NAACP wants to give a lifetime achievement award. He is being protected as if he has done nothing wrong. Note how none of the blame is Sterling's in his mind and in his family's mind?
There is a curiosity (to me) in how he refers to his players. He says he gives them money, homes, etc. Actually, sir, you have a contract where they work for what you "give" them.
The family is suing the girlfriend. He has a mistress so sue her. Because of the law suit, she said she would get him back. Maybe so but she isn't talking for him so let's keep the laser light of criticism focused where it should be. He's a racist so the local NAACP wants to give a lifetime achievement award. He is being protected as if he has done nothing wrong. Note how none of the blame is Sterling's in his mind and in his family's mind?
There is a curiosity (to me) in how he refers to his players. He says he gives them money, homes, etc. Actually, sir, you have a contract where they work for what you "give" them.
I'm waiting for Donald Sterling to issue some kind of statement or meet press to begin CYA cover up: Like blabbing: "I'm Jewish and been discriminated against before - so don't call me bigoted!" "Over many decades I've given millions of dollars to charities to benefit minorities, especially poor black people. I'm a life-long Democrat and have strongly supported political efforts, party platform, for benefit of the poor, underprivileged, people of color." "I simply misspoke terribly in fit of emotionally charged passion but it was not real way I act in life or do my everyday business. I am not a billionaire by some dumb luck, just a dumb schmuck for allowing my former dingbat girlfriend to take advantage of me in this blatant case of elder abuse. "
I like the idea of moving the team to Seattle both to erase the Clippers ugly legacy and to spread out the NBA a little more. It's probably not possible with the TV deals and other long-term contracts the organization is tied to including Staples tenancy.
As far as the moral outrage stuff goes, an old guy from a relatively cloistered part of society is a closet racist? Whoda thunkit? The board of governors will do their thing and the world will continue turning.
As far as the moral outrage stuff goes, an old guy from a relatively cloistered part of society is a closet racist? Whoda thunkit? The board of governors will do their thing and the world will continue turning.
Leaked info (bylaws) on what commish as an employee of all 30 NBA owners can and cannot do to sanction Sterling.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nbc-y...-s-hands-are-somewhat-tied-161619198-nba.html
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nbc-y...-s-hands-are-somewhat-tied-161619198-nba.html
Honestly the real power here rests with sponsors, fans and players. Sponsors are already fleeing like rats from a sinking ship, add to that fans not going/buying and players/teams boycotting Clips games and next season looks pretty grim for Sterling. Weigh that against a huge pay out for a team that may well have peaked in terms of value and the decision to sell may look awfully compelling.
not to mention that it will likely be difficult for donald sterling to show his face at staples center without earning the utter ire of the fans in the building. owning the clippers has always been a vanity pursuit for sterling, and if the fans do as they should and direct their ire at sterling, both visually and vocally, and on a consistent enough basis, then that's just further enticement to sell...
There is one simple thing they CAN do to force a sale. IF players from other teams (espcially stars like Lebron and Kobe) refuse to play Clips home games and/or owners of other teams refuse to play as well. The NBA COULD choose to declare that since they understand and respect the players and owners position, that Forfeits of Clips home games will neither count as wins or losses. This would defacto cancel the Clips home games for the season and gut the franchise.
I don't think either players or owners can refuse to play Clippers home games. And there's no way you want things to get to that extreme anyway. Sponsors are leaving in droves. What happens at Staples tomorrow night will tell whether the fans will do the same. Hopefully the league will announce something beforehand.
The best solution would be for Donald Sterling to sell to Magic Johnson and the Guggenheim Group - and the sooner the better.
The best solution would be for Donald Sterling to sell to Magic Johnson and the Guggenheim Group - and the sooner the better.
No doubt a quick realization by Sterling and a fast sale would be best. My point is that IF Sterling does not sell quickly then the players association could decide to refuse to play or "sick out" for Clips games. If a team can not dress 8 players they would have to forfeit. The point is that although the league can not require a sale the players can push this and the owners/league need do very little to help force a sale.
No wonder the Clippers have always been complete crap. The fact is they lucked into this current team with Stern sending Paul to the Clippers. Griffin would have walked after his rookie deal if Paul hadn't come and Rivers wouldn't have never come either. Hard to believe people like this still exist.
I know what you're saying; I'm disagreeing with the philosophy and wisdom of the action. There's a fine line to be drawn here between what the league and his fellow co-owners decide to do and what type of action (if any) the players take. What I'm seeing so far (the symbolic reversal of the practice jerseys and piles of warm-up jackets) has been well-thought out and meaningful. It needs to continue. No need to put the players in jeopardy of losing part of their salary (those contracts contain performance clauses that are VERY tight).
The owners and the league SHOULD be the ones forcing the issue. He is one of them. His words are indefensible. They cannot allow the public to believe they will continue to do business (and remember the NBA is a business) with someone who has those views.
The owners and the league SHOULD be the ones forcing the issue. He is one of them. His words are indefensible. They cannot allow the public to believe they will continue to do business (and remember the NBA is a business) with someone who has those views.
This is the biggest overreaction I've seen in years. Old white guy is racist...what are the odds of that? Old white guy says something racist in PRIVATE to his gold digger girlfriend and it gets leaked out. Now he has to be punished and get himself forced out of the league?
This world is completely full of hypocrites. Ever said anything racist or made a racist joke in private to a spouse, friend or family member? Well bye bye, you can't work now. It's one thing to go on record making racist remarks and it's another thing to have a private conversation with somebody and have it leaked to TMZ and forced fed from the professional "I'm offended" crowd and jammed down the throats of every American. They try and make us feel like we should be completely outraged that some old guy said something racist in the privacy of his own home. It's ridiculous.
This world is completely full of hypocrites. Ever said anything racist or made a racist joke in private to a spouse, friend or family member? Well bye bye, you can't work now. It's one thing to go on record making racist remarks and it's another thing to have a private conversation with somebody and have it leaked to TMZ and forced fed from the professional "I'm offended" crowd and jammed down the throats of every American. They try and make us feel like we should be completely outraged that some old guy said something racist in the privacy of his own home. It's ridiculous.
But the old racist white guy has a history of taking action on his bigotry and discriminating on others violating their rights.
Bigotry is unacceptable but there is a fine line that can't be crossed. That line is when one becomes bigoted towards the bigot making oneself a bigot and that is just as unacceptable. If that makes any sense.
Bigotry is unacceptable but there is a fine line that can't be crossed. That line is when one becomes bigoted towards the bigot making oneself a bigot and that is just as unacceptable. If that makes any sense.
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