Longtime Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling is in hot water after allegedly being caught on tape making racist comments against blacks. Audio released by TMZ and Deadspin, features a man believed to be the 80-year-old Clippers owner and his former girlfriend, 38-year-old V. Stiviano aka Maria Vanessa Perez.
In the tape, the person identified as Sterling is heard chastising Stiviano for associating with blacks in public. He was upset with Stiviano for posting a photo she took with NBA legend Magic Johnson on social media.
“It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people,” the man says. “I’m just saying, in your … Instagrams, you don’t have to have yourself with, walking with black people.”
The shocking clip set off has disturbed fans, athletes and celebrities, with many calling for stern and immediate action against Sterling. NBA Commissioner says the league will conduct a full investigation and promises the league will move “extraordinarily quickly” to get to the facts.
Clippers players reportedly held a team meeting within hours after the allegations became public and are working with the player’s association to ensure their voices are heard if it is confirmed that the man on the tape is in fact Sterling.
Despite a history of refusing to allow blacks to lease his rental properties, Sterling was set to receive a lifetime achievement award from the NAACP. The organization has now dropped plans to honor the controversial owner.
