“Only in America” was the well-known line used by boxing promoter Don King after he was acquitted by a court after multiple charges had been brought against him by the federal government. It said a lot about how unique this country can be when it comes to how people can be treated.
Little did we know that the term would apply to another person named Don, only this time his last name is Sterling. One of the most bizarre stories of the year only gets more bizarre. For Donald Sterling, we have seen a person who has all but admitted that he doesn’t get it on any level. He continues to grasp for straws, and yet few are willing to help as we continue to learn he has been a despicable person for many years.
As a reward of being a louse, he has the chance to turn a $12 million investment in buying the LA Clippers into a sale of the team of more than $2 BILLION dollars. Yes, only in America can this happen where a cad of this nature can profit from his egregious actions.
There are more players to profit though. Sterling’s wife smelled smoke early and quickly buddied up with the NBA to make sure that when the law suits started flying, she would be in a good spot. Oh, by the way, while she it is at it, she might as well file for divorce, as the dreaded four letter word in California comes into play: “half.” Again, Only in America.
Mrs. Sterling has gone on to imply that her husband may be slipping a bit mentally and that she wants no part of him, as he is being set adrift. Talk about rats fleeing a sinking ship.
Then there is Sterling’s mistress who has yet to be paid in full here. Surely there is a payday in some court for her, although she may have to dodge a few people to get there, as it was reported that she was punched in the face by two men this weekend in New York. No, she could not identify them. Then again, does anyone really care at this point?
As for the NBA, they have to be happy with the results so far. They have rid themselves of a thorn, the owners have seen the value of their teams go up, the L.A. market is even bigger with the Lakers and now the Clippers, and the players and fans are happy at how swiftly this thing has taken place.
Not sure if any other country could have it this way which is why it can only happen in America. Thanks, Don.
The Finals
Speaking of the NBA, yes, the Finals are here. Not sure if I am overly excited, but I will watch as the fundamentals of game will be on display. The best coach in the NBA, Gregg Popovich, will have the task of getting his aging team in the San Antonio Spurs to contend with a real team that features the best player in the game in LeBron James and the Miami Heat.
Must-watch TV ? No doubt. It’s the Finals, the best of the best. The second-hardest trophy to win in sports, behind the Stanley Cup. No predictions from me on who will win, as each is deserving, only one can prove it though.
Enjoy!
Mathews-Dickey
There is a lot going on at the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club these days. The search is on for a new CEO as Mr. Martin Mathews is retiring. A number of names are being thrown around for this position. Thomas Sullivan has done an outstanding job in a variety of roles at the club and certainly warrants real consideration. Those who you would never think would have an interest that will get a look as well. This is an important decision that the selection committee cannot mess up.
Blues in the community
How about the St. Louis Blues? The local ownership group that includes Tom Stillman and David Steward has gotten involved in their community, only it’s north of Lindell. The Blues have constructed an outdoor street hockey rink at Mathews-Dickey.
As a Mathews-Dickey alum, I could not be more excited and proud to see these two come together and build something that could one day produce a future national hockey leaguer from the area. Or perhaps a young person may develop hockey skills to the point where they could earn a scholarship for a quality education that helps even more in our community.
The efforts made by the Blues and Clayco should not be overlooked but rather embraced, for what they are doing might shape some young person’s future.
