” I’m not a racist!’ Sterling is heard saying to an unidentified friend.
Racism is not unknown in our society, and even as we advance forward in time, culture, and knowledge, some of us keep turning up with the mistakes of our past. In the case of Donald Sterling, a racist NBA owner of the Clippers, justice and karma couldn’t ignore his blunt, arrogant racism.
Even though this old-man had many other altercations with misogynistic comments and sexual harassment in the past, finally he got what he deserved. In a not-so-private recorded conversation in 2013, a very irritated Donald Sterling was discussing with V. Stiviano, his mistress, over one of her posts on Instagram. In the picture, she was posing with none other than Magic Johnson.
This was the transcribed text from that recorded discussion between the Sterling and Stiviano
“It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people.”. And also, “I’m just saying, in your lousy fucking Instagrams, you don’t have to have yourself with, walking with black people.”. And also, “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.”.
Heavy, racist stuff. TMZ Sports revealed this bombshell on April 25, 2014. Many people jumped to his defense while many others were rightfully outrage. But the discontent was highly visible, with the the President of the United States, Barack Obama, making comments on the issue at that time.
What were the consequences?
After just two days of investigation, the NBA itself ruled out a lifetime ban and a fine of $2.5 million. That’s not much, considering that the net worth of the guy at the time was $1.9 billion.
At the time, an 82-year old went to CNN to make a public apology, however, things got even worse for him. Instead of apologizing, he blamed his ex-girlfriend, as she “baited him” to say such things, while also saying “I’m not a racist”. Yeah, sure you’re not, pal.
Also, he further criticized Magic Johnson for his battle with HIV saying “should be ashamed of himself”, which deepened the hatred towards him.
More recordings were released to Radar Online revealing Sterlings’ very basic understanding of racism and using his background as a defense.
‘How can you be in this business and be a racist? Do you think I tell the coach to get white players? Or to get the best player he can get? …I grew up in East L.A…. I was the president of the high school there. I mean, and I’m a Jew! And 50 per cent of the people there were black and 40 per cent were Hispanic,’
So basically, just because Sterling is Jewish, owns a basketball team with mostly black players and grew up around minorities means he can’t be racist. Sure, Donald.
No more racist NBA owners
For even more punishment, after a long battle, he was forced to sell it to Microsoft’s CEO, Steve Ballmer, for $2 billion. This was the final stroke that ended the relationship between the La Clippers, and Donald Sterling, the racist ex-owner.
Finally, this is just an example of what the world must do with racist ignorant people. We must use them as an example of what must not be done. Nobody can escape the consequences of their acts, and a high profile like a racist NBA owner was the perfect example.
By the way, yes, Donald, that’s racist.
Sources: https://www.vox.com/2014/4/29/18077046/donald-sterling
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2042902-clippers-owner-donald-sterling-banned-for-life-from-nba-for-racist-remarks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Sterling#NBA_ownership