Just in case (you) didn’t read my blog on this past Sunday, I posted (my thoughts) on the racist remarks made by Donald Sterling…
Today, it is indeed, a sad day in NBA history an announcement by Commissioner, Adam Silver against LA Clippers owner, Donald Sterling. In press releases, Silver said, “He (Sterling) is banned for life and fined 2.5 million dollars, the maximum amount allowed.” This decision (in my opinion) a swift decision handed down, today, April 29, 2014. Once the racist comments became public only this past Saturday when an audio of Sterling to his girlfriend hit the media, everyone from Mark Cuban (owner of Dallas Mavericks) to Shaquille O’Neal (ex-NBA player, current NBA announcer). Chris Paul, spokesman for The LA Clippers and the other twenty-nine organizations stood in solidarity with complete agreement, there is no place in this league for racism! The players association asked Kevin Johnson to be ‘their’ voice and wanted to see three things occur. Kevin Johnson echoed the three things the teams had wanted. 1) Immediate actions 2) Player’s voice has to be heard – collective voice and 3) Maximum punishments (handed out) through the NBA by-laws. And indeed is just what has occurred; swift, immediate actions. Well, what’s the big idea many people might ask? Well first, in case [you] live on another planet, this top story has been swelling ever since the audio of Sterling’s comments to his girlfriend hit the waves. Let me just say, it is never okay for people to have these bigoted conversations especially in the NBA case and when more than 80% of the league is African American.
Donald Sterling said on audio recording, making racist remarks to his girlfriend who herself is of mixed heritage (Black and Mexican). Sterling said, “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?” (3:30) — “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.” (5:15) — “I’m just saying, in your lousy f******* Instagram’s, you don’t have to have yourself with, walking with black people.” (7:45) — “…Don’t put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And don’t bring him to my games.” (9:13)
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/26/donald-sterling-clippers-owner-black-people-racist-audio-magic-johnson/#ixzz30J1v5OH8
I said in a previous blog, it does not matter how much power [you] think you may have and that, above all, R E S P E C T is due to everyone! But, more importantly, rather it is the NBA or Educational facilities, we each have a responsibility that we owe to each other. Now I am more than sure that Mr. Sterling (in hind-sight) would never, ever have said those ugly words had he’d known this audio would have come to light. The scariest part about this man’s actions have hurt millions and have cost pain in the lives for so many who looks up to him. So what will be his legacy and has all this changed?
The answer is No!!! Until we inherently stop accepting the jokes, stop accepting the passive aggressive actions and stop those who think, just because there is a dominance in a particular culture does not make you, me, him, or her the dominant! In other words, the moment you think you are above the law, you will indeed get ‘yo’ ass handed right back to you! The statements Donald Sterling made to his girlfriend was, not to bring any black people to his games. Today, he – himself has been banned by the commissioner, Adam Sterling, to never be able to attend any games, conferences, no decision makers what so ever as it pertain to the NBA. So, in essence, Mr. Sterling put the proverbial nail in his own coffin. Be careful what you say today because it will affect your tomorrow and remember this, someone is always listening and watching you no matter where you are or what you are doing.
#Eyes Everywhere
#Bravo Adam Silver, you got this one right!
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