The NBA has been accused of failing to adequately handle former LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s racist rant, which stunned basketball in 2014.
The outrage and anger from players and administrators after Sterling was recorded arguing using derogatory statements about African Americans was instantaneous, leaving the multimillionaire with no choice but to sell up and leave.
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As Cuta new Hulu documentary chronicling one of the most unpleasant episodes in American sports history is released. The US Sun spoke with former Clippers employees – a player and an administrative employee – about the fallout from Sterling’s shameful actions.
“It was one of the most infuriating moments of my career,” an NBA veteran with more than 15 years of experience in the League told The US Sun.
The well-known star spoke on condition of anonymity but criticized his former boss while accusing League chiefs of not doing enough to punish him.
Sterling was quickly banned for life and told to sell the franchise, which had been considered the worst-performing team in the NBA after years of crisis.
The wealthy businessman and lawyer, played by actor Ed O’Neill in the new show, bought the San Diego Clippers for just $12.5 million in 1982 before selling them to Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer for a surprising $ 2 billion, after his sick controversy.
That’s quite a profit for someone who leaves the League in disgrace, even if he was fined $2.5 million by NBA commissioner Adam Silver for comments made between him and mistress V. Stiviano, whom he told not to associate with black people, including basketball. legend Magic Johnson.
IN THE GUTTER
Sterling’s name and reputation were destroyed – but many members of the Clippers roster felt his bumper sale to Balmer softened the blow enormously.
“I’ve been through a lot in my life, but this racism from Sterling was by far the most infuriating moment of my career and the fact that he walked away with a big check and was forced to sell his team for billions still left me happier. crazier,” continued the NBA star who is still playing at the top of his game.
“He got his way out and got a lot of money to get out of the league. In my opinion, taking it out of the NBA by having another owner who gave billions to acquire the team was not the solution. what happened.”
He goes on to emphasize that seeing Sterling’s family become richer was “sad” and that there was a lack of “justice” for his shocking actions.
“All I could think about was how the franchise was going to explode,” he admitted.
PRESIDENTIAL FURY
The backlash was felt across the NBA, with iconic players like LeBron James expressing their feelings and rival teams showing solidarity with the Clippers, who were in the play-offs at the time.
President Barack Obama entered the fray, calling Sterling’s comments “incredibly offensive racist statements,” while several sponsors pulled the plug.
One of the frontline employees, who also spoke anonymously, recalled a very “tense” atmosphere among all employees.
He remembers playing the tape for his African-American wife and will never forget the “profound shock” that followed before having to go through an uncomfortable discussion with his children.
“I was close to quitting,” said the former employee. “I don’t think people like Donald Sterling realize the impact of their racist language.”
“What was he thinking? That he would have remained in the dark forever?” He continued.
“I didn’t interact with him that often, but even though I didn’t have particularly good feelings for him before that racist speech, I never thought anyone would say something so offensive and racist.”
GENERAL ANGER
He revealed that a large “wave” of people came close to leaving following the revelations because they felt uncomfortable working for an organization with a racist at the helm.
“Racism is a cancer on this society, and I was ready to use all legal means to remove him from the team, the NBA and away from the basketball court and business,” the player added.
“It was a bad situation, no justice in the end.”
Sterling, now 90 and reportedly in poor health, filed for divorce from wife Shelly, who helped him run the franchise, in 2015.
They split in December 2012 after he was kicked out of the family home following an argument with his mistress. On New Year’s Eve, his son Scott died of an accidental overdose.
However, the anger provoked by his comments continues to hurt everyone affected.
“It’s been a few years since this happened,” concluded the player. “But I still think about it often.”
The US Sun has reached out to the LA Clippers but has not yet received a response.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
