Unless you live in a bubble there is no way you haven’t heard of the scandal around Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling. Unfortunately, It seems like we always need a scandal to spark honest nationwide discussions about racism in America.
Yesterday, NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, announced that Sterling would be banned from the NBA for life — an unprecedented penalty. Sterling was also fined $2.5 million and there are talks of a “force sale” of the team. Sterling is under fire for racist comments he made during a recorded conversation with his girlfriend.
Many were pleased with Silver’s decision, including the Clippers and team sponsors who jumped ship after the racist recordings was released.
Despite Silver’s decision, however, many recognize that things don’t end here. What lies ahead for the Clippers? Who will own the team down the road? How many of us work for someone like Sterling and don’t even know it? What has America learned from all of this?
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Banning Donald Sterling was more about their imagine and pockets than actually taking a stand against racism that’s quite prevalent in the NBA. The NBA in itself is an entertainment plantation.
Nothing is final in my eyes until the team is sold and even thing Sterling is still winning because he’ll get paid. I think a great opportunity was missed in all of this for the players involved to stand up and have their voices heard.
I think the NBA’s punishment sends a strong message that this train of thought/logic will not be tolerated in 2014 at least in the NBA. I appreciate the current leadership of the NBA making this stand. No it does not end the problem but it definitely sent a very strong message.