Donald Sterling is in muddy waters after a conversation, that allegedly exposes his hatred for black people, surfaced on the internet yesterday.
Many people are completely outraged by the comments – which include begging his girlfriend not to associate with black people and minorities – and tons of celebrities, activists, and politicians are taking action, refusing to put any of their money into the Clippers organization as long as he is still owner.
According to TMZ, the NBA commissioner spoke with the press, stating that Sterling has agreed to skip out on the next Clippers’ playoff game because of the backlash he’s receiving.
The site reports:
During his news conference in Memphis … the commish was surprisingly strong and deliberate with his words — calling Sterling’s comments on the tape … “truly offensive and disturbing. “
Silver said the league hopes to have its investigation wrapped up in the next few days — and said they would interview Sterling and his gf V. Stiviano … and attempt to understand the context of the recording.
He added that Sterling deserves a fair chance to present his side of the story … and as a result the league was not prepared to even discuss any potential sanctions.
Even though the commissioner stated that they plan to question Sterling’s girlfriend, who’s voice can allegedly be heard on the tape, TMZ also reports that she refuses to answer any questions.
V. Stiviano doesn’t want to be involved in the case as of right now, but not because of the tape – it’s because she is currently involved in a case with Sterling’s estranged wife, and it concerns embezzled money.
The site reports:
A rep from the law office representing V. Stiviano tells TMZ … they heard NBA Commissioner Adam Silver state his intention to interview Stiviano, but that’s not going to happen right now. We’re told her lawyer, Mac Nehoray, will not allow her to answer questions about pending litigation against his client filed by Sterling’s estranged wife.
Shelly Sterling claims in her lawsuit Stiviano embezzled $1.8 million by scheming to get as much as she could from an old man — Donald Sterling. Stiviano claims everything she got was a gift.
Nehoray says her refusal to talk to the Commish has nothing to do with the audio tape … he believes talking to Silver would get in the way of her defense in the lawsuit.
Tons of celebrities have spoke out against Sterling’s comments, including President Obama, Lil’ Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and more. Check out some of the responses below. Lil’ Wayne
Snoop Dogg
Rihanna She captioned this photo:
🙁
LeBron James
Arsenio Hall:
I will never go to a Donald Sterling Clipper game. And! AND … I will not even sail on a Clipper ship!!! #teammagic#teamblackmexicangirl
— Arsenio Hall (@ArsenioHall) April 26, 2014
Charles Barkley
DeAndre Jordan: Kevin Hart:
The owner of the CLIPPERS is a flat out racist and will never see a dime of my money!!! Donald Sterling is disgusting…this shit is sad — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 26, 2014
I’ve spent probably 100k over the past 2 years supporting my friends on that team and to find out that the owner is a flat out RACIST… — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 26, 2014
All I can do I shake my head…the league better take a stand on this issue…this shit is a serious matter….the league must take a stand — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 26, 2014
I am taking a stand on this…I want to show this racist asshole the power is social media & our culture…. — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 26, 2014
The only way to do that is to hit him where it hurts which is his pockets…I will support my friends but not the CLIPPERS organization — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 26, 2014
I can assure you that you will not see my black face or any other black face that has heard this racist mans comments at a clippers game — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 26, 2014
The @NBA better make a stand on this matter…our culture has the power to shut that whole organization down if we wanted to!!!! — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 26, 2014
I will Tweet/FaceBook/Instagram everyday of the playoffs until this matter is resolved in my eyes!!! The @NBA must take a stand!!! — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) April 26, 2014
Kobe Bryant:
I couldn’t play for him — Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 26, 2014
Stephen A. Smith:
Meek Mill:
Donald sterling is the definition of racism …. He could b your judge…. Your doctor…..you teacher etc… I bet nothing happens 2 him! — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 26, 2014
Vegas saying no hip hop rapper can have a event in Las Vegas something need 2 b done about this bcuz it is a racist act! #stepup #hiphop — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 26, 2014
Ima have my lawyer speak up and we have press get on top of this situations in Vegas ….I never had a incident in Vegas..We need answers — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 26, 2014
But when our culture losing and giving our money 2 casinos it’s okay….NAACP need 2 step up! Bcuz we let these things happen 2 many times — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 26, 2014
But when our culture losing and giving our money 2 casinos it’s okay….NAACP need 2 step up! Bcuz we let these things happen 2 many times — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 26, 2014
Donald sterling time is almost up….. All them racist dudes are always old as shit …10 years from now they all gone b extinct … — Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 27, 2014
Russell Simmons:
Sad about Donald Sterling*** statements sorry for people who have to work for him. #NBAblackeye — Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) April 26, 2014
SOURCE: TMZ, Twitter, Splash | PHOTO & VIDEO CREDIT: Instagram, Youtube
