News Story: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-nba-sterling-clippers-20140427,0,5276359.story#axzz304L7DZmI
Reactions: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2042761-twitter-reacts-to-racist-rant-allegedly-from-la-clippers-owner-donald-sterling
Video (warning: offensive and disturbing): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhT6d5fMhzI
A few things to note about this that make it significant news:
1) This is not the first incident of his "racism". This is merely the first time there has been substantial evidence of it. Here's a background on his other racist incidents. The remarks also link back to the NBA, which is a global sport and bound to receive attention, especially during a highly competitive playoff season.
2) He is the owner of a NBA team. Read as: owner of a team in a league that is comprised of 78% black players, the highest percentage in any major American sport. This is not even including league staff and coaches, which are also comprised somewhat of minorities.
3) His remarks not only look bad on a league that has made strides in minority involvement and improvement, but also on the subject of racism in America.
4) The First Amendment grants all Americans the right to speak without governmental interference. 'Unfortunately' for Sterling, the constitutional freedoms to do not prohibit business associates from taking action based on racist statements. Fines and possible suspensions are in order obviously, but the NBA can't force him out of his ownership without facing lawsuits. I could be missing something here, but it looks like the team will remain with Sterling unless he decides to sell it for hundreds of millions.
"Donald Sterling has the mentality of an antebellum slave master: he makes money off Blacks but doesn't see them as equals deserving of respect."
Reactions: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2042761-twitter-reacts-to-racist-rant-allegedly-from-la-clippers-owner-donald-sterling
Video (warning: offensive and disturbing): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhT6d5fMhzI
A few things to note about this that make it significant news:
1) This is not the first incident of his "racism". This is merely the first time there has been substantial evidence of it. Here's a background on his other racist incidents. The remarks also link back to the NBA, which is a global sport and bound to receive attention, especially during a highly competitive playoff season.
2) He is the owner of a NBA team. Read as: owner of a team in a league that is comprised of 78% black players, the highest percentage in any major American sport. This is not even including league staff and coaches, which are also comprised somewhat of minorities.
3) His remarks not only look bad on a league that has made strides in minority involvement and improvement, but also on the subject of racism in America.
4) The First Amendment grants all Americans the right to speak without governmental interference. 'Unfortunately' for Sterling, the constitutional freedoms to do not prohibit business associates from taking action based on racist statements. Fines and possible suspensions are in order obviously, but the NBA can't force him out of his ownership without facing lawsuits. I could be missing something here, but it looks like the team will remain with Sterling unless he decides to sell it for hundreds of millions.
"Donald Sterling has the mentality of an antebellum slave master: he makes money off Blacks but doesn't see them as equals deserving of respect."