Owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, has become the center of controversy recently.
Sterling was issued a ban from any future ties with the National Basketball Association, or NBA, for life; stripped of his seat on the NBA governing board and issued the highest possible fine of $2.5 million.
These punishments were issued after an audio recording featuring racist statements Sterling made in a conversation with V. Stiviano, Sterling’s archivist, friend and alleged mistress, were released.
I believe Sterling’s punishments from the NBA were appropriate and a smart business decision on behalf of the NBA. Sterling hindered the economic success and reputation of the NBA.
Even if Sterling’s actions are not illegal and his beliefs are allowed to be voiced under the Freedom of Speech, they call for some attention and cannot go ignored like the many other unnoticed racist acts Sterling has been accused of over the years. Members called on the league to vote Sterling out as an owner, as stated by National Public Radio. According to Fox News, the committee unanimously agreed to move forward.
Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA, announced in a press conference that Sterling confirmed the recording was authentic but did not apologize for his statements.
In the audio tape, Sterling is heard criticizing Stiviano for associating with black people in public. The dispute between the two parties is about an Instagram post by Stiviano in which she is pictured walking with Magic Johnson, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and a black male.
Mark J. Terrill – AP Photo:
In this Feb. 25, 2011, AP photo, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling looks on during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has banned Sterling for life and fined him $2.5 million for making racist comments.
In the recording released by TMZ, Sterling is heard asking questions of Stiviano such as, “Why are you taking pictures with minorities?,” “Do you have to [broadcast that you’re associating with black people]?” and “Why publicize on the Instagram and why bring [black people] to my games?”
As stated by the Huffington Post’s Greg Beacham, Sterling’s racism has been ongoing since he bought the Clippers in 1981. Beacham states that Sterling would “heckle his own team from [his] center-court seat…berate players…[and] tell guests to check out his players’ ‘beautiful black bodies.’”
In 2009, Sterling was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), according to USA Today, despite his history of racism. Sterling has also faced extensive charges of civil rights violations and racial discrimination in business, as stated by the Huffington Post.
Both the New York Daily News and the Huffington Post said he and his insurance company were a part of a federal housing discrimination lawsuit in which Sterling was accused of trying to force black tenants out of the buildings he owned.
This case resulted in a settlement of $2.75 million.
Kevin Johnson, former NBA star, who was asked by Clippers player, Chris Paul, to speak for the players’ union membership, stated, “We wanted [Silver] to give us a full accounting of the prior accusations of racism made against Mr. Sterling and why those were never sanctioned by the NBA.”
Before and after the announcement of Sterling’s punishments, multiple commercial sponsors of The Clippers withdrew their support. If there was not a harsh punishment, players were prepared to boycott games, according to National Public Radio.
The NBA would have experienced the loss of commercial sponsors and sales of merchandise. Players and fans would most likely boycott games as well. Just like any company, if any employee puts the success of the company in harm’s way they will face disciplinary action.
Sterling was not told to say any of the discriminatory comments in the recording. He chose to say them. According to Stiviano’s lawyer, Sterling was even aware the conversation was being recorded.
Sterling’s racism is not new and it is unfortunate that it has taken over thirty years of Sterling’s ownership of The Clippers for the NBA to take action. Sterling’s actions show the racism still present in our society, despite the progress made.
Taylor Howe can be contacted at thowe@keene-equinox.com