Nothing on the illegally recorded, and released, conversation of Sterling can be used against him since it is a private conversation. Is it controversial? Yes, questionably it is, but racist? If you are an overly sensitive black who is in denial of your own feelings towards others, maybe.... a very long maaaaaaaaybe. To me, while I don't treat others badly, I don't see anything racist in what Sterling said since he expressed his preference. Of course, if I could not stand blacks, I would not have a half-Black girlfriend, but that is being way too logical. Yet, the real question is not is Sterling a racist, but what was the motivation of the chick releasing that illegally recorded conversation? The facts are undeniable in that Sterling does employ blacks in key management positions in his organization, and someone who is a flaming racist would not do that. There will always be black kids who will want to play in the NBA and for any team regardless of what the management staff race is, if that team gives them a good contract and has a good record.
Do notice that none of the black players, or coaches, have quit the team or demanded to be traded. So if they're so offended due to alleged racist comments, then their inaction to take a stand and put their money where their mouth is shows how credible their suffering really is.
The real problem here is the half-Black, half Mexican female doing what she did because of revenge and getting a skinny on the boss because of boss's wifey taking her to court. That chick is on the hook legally now and is the one who comes across as racist, as well as she clearly was egging the conversation on by being combative. Equally clear, is she led the conversation exactly where she wanted it to go instead of just shutting her mouth.
The rule of law has been violated in this case on multiple fronts:
1. The girl released a private conversation she taped without authority. Two reasons go to intent on her part: 1) She knew she was out of the relationship with Sterling since he said as a much on the audio recording I heard, and b) her being named in litigation filed by Mrs. Sterling.
2. Clearly, one’s opinion, when expressed in private and in this context, cannot be used against them in this country because of the First Amendment even if Barry and Holder are trying to circumvent the Constitution.
Even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar points out that the chick most likely set Sterling up, and that the hypocrisy of the NAACP, Al Sharpton, et al. is evident except to those caught up in the media circus and the poorly controlled emotional cripples that are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Here is the article,
TOP RIGHT NEWS,NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Rips BOTH SIDES in Donald Sterling ‘Scandal’ where Kareem Abdul-Jabbar discusses his disgust and outrage not just at the comments Sterling made, but also at all the other players in the travesty of privacy this affair has wrought.
The facts are undeniable in that nothing Sterling said in the audio recording was racist but are certainly controversial without a doubt. For it to have been racist, he would have needed to be demeaning to blacks in general by calling them ni****'s and/or other derogatory names and/or comparisons to vermin such as he has done in times past. Nothing Sterling did in this instance was racist, and the NBA and Silver will lose one way or the other. I am waiting to see what happens with a bucket of popcorn and coke-cola. Even Mark Cuban pointed out in a recent interview that he does not believe the Owners will force Sterling to do sell, and I seriously doubt Silver will be successful in banning Sterling from the NBA.r fining him although $2.5MM is chump change to him.
What Sterling expressed, in great detail, is his personal opinion and preference. Everybody has an opinion and a preference, some are more racists than others. But like Abdul-Jabbar pointed out, it is sleazy to be branding someone based on their private conversations, and I will point out it is inherently un-American to do so.
The above referenced article in which Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was interviewed is something that a good number of people in this country, including ole Barry, need to consider and pay attention. Only those who are not paying attention to the details think what I have read as a majority opinion in this thread believe. While I don't support Sterling's position, I am 100% behind, and for, his ability to have his opinions in private, regardless of whether they are in fact racist or not, which is what makes this country great.
To those who have not heard the recordings, either the first part or the extended part, listen before making a decision based upon wagging tongues.
Deadspin: First 9 minutes
DeadSpin Extended; Can't get the audio alone like TMZ
Quote:
Originally Posted by pyramider
He is a cantankerous old coot. Sterling would love to take the NBA to court and make life hell for the other owners. He is a fan of Al Davis.
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^^^^Yes, he is and that is why he was able to settle with the NBA when they said no to his plan to move the Clippers to LA from San Diego. Even with the NBA saying no, he did so anyway. You don't get old and rich by being a pussy. This guy proves the old axiom: Don't mess with the old dogs...age and skill will always overcome youth and treachery! Bullshit and brilliance only comes with age and experience.
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Views
