By Telema Davies
“The Jews have a company to help fellow Jews with loans…but what has he (Magic Johnson) done for his people?” Such was a statement made by LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling, in an interview on Sunday with CNN’s Anderson Cooper. It was initially thought to be an exclusive opportunity for the business mogul to issue an apology which turned sour. It seemed rather an occasion for Donald Sterling to launch a personal, derisive swipe at ex-NBA star Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson.
The interview, which started on a somber note, had Sterling claiming to have been baited by his girlfriend V. Stiviano, into making racist comments. He however, apologized for the remarks which he maintained was not borne out of his beliefs. Sterling’s apology seemed to be heading for a soft landing had he not bumped with his head into a pothole. His latest remarks which were personal in nature, has thrown back the basketball community into a mix of ashes and dust.
“I’m apologizing,” Sterling said, “and asking for forgiveness” in his first public interview to CNN. He said of himself; “I’m a good member who made a mistake.” He further said, “am I entitled to one mistake? Am I, after 35 years? I mean, I love my league, I love my partners, am I entitled to one mistake? It’s a terrible mistake, and I’ll never do it again.” He then added that he had spoken with Johnson twice since the audio was released to the public by TMZ.
Sterling, when asked if he apologized to Magic Johnson said, “he’s a good person, I mean what else am I going to say? Has he done everything he can do to help minorities? I don’t think so. But I’ll say it, he’s great. But I don’t think he’s a good example for the children of Los Angeles.” Like he pushed the panic button, Sterling did not hesitate in speaking further in derogatory terms on the person of part owner of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, Magic Johnson.
The Clippers’ owner went on to say, “what kind of guy goes around sleeping with every girl…and then, having AIDS?” Sterling seemed unapologetic as he went on about Johnson, claiming he (Johnson) has not done anything to improve on the quality of life of his people (minority blacks). Such comments have further infuriated the basketball community in the United States. National Basketball Association commissioner Adam Silver, responded quickly issuing an apology to the Hall-of-Famer.
The 80-year-old Donald Sterling bought the Los Angeles Clippers for a fee of $12 million in 1981 and is the longest-tenured owner in the NBA history. There are mounting pressures for him to sell the league franchise which is estimated to cost well over $500 million. Interim chief executive officer of the Los Angeles Clippers Dick Parsons, opines that the National Basketball Association will prevail in its efforts to coerce Donald Sterling to sell the team. Interested buyers include the central figure in this episode, Magic Johnson and Oprah Winfrey.
Image source: BleacherReport