UPDATE: 4/26/14 4:00PM EST:
The NBA has released a statement in response to Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s racist remarks:
——
LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling is about to have A LOT of explaining to do.
Though we all would love to commit to the idea that racism is a thing of the past, a recent conversation between Sterling and his girlfriend proves otherwise.
TMZ obtained the audio, where Sterling criticizes his girl V. Stiviano – who is part black – on the phone for “associating with black people,” begging her to stop promoting her love for “minorities” since she is largely viewed as a Latina or White girl.
The audio is chilling, as Sterling pleads with Stiviano, who argues back and asks what’s wrong with Black people repeatedly.
Some of his comments include:
— “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******* Instagrams, 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)
Check out the audio below:
Apparently, Sterling has a history of racist behavior, as he was accused of refusing to sell apartments to blacks and latinos, which led to the federal government suing him.
Magic Johnson has responded to the racist comments, and said that “it’s a shame” that he won’t let his girlfriend associate herself with other African Americans.
He told TMZ:
“It’s a shame that Donald Sterling feels that way about African-Americans. He has a team full of amazing African-American basketball players that are working to bring a championship to Clippers fans. The Clippers also have a strong minority fan base.”
Magic also took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon to express his feelings:
.@cjbycookie and I will never go to a Clippers game again as long as Donald Sterling is the owner.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
I feel sorry for my friends Coach Doc Rivers and Chris Paul that they have to work for a man that feels that way about African Americans.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s comments about African Americans are a black eye for the NBA.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
