Los Angles Clippers Owner Donald Sterling, Please Go

Johnny Most said it best, “a typical disgusting display.” Although he was referring to the Detroit Pistons’ frontcourt in their heyday, that was the first line that came to mind when looking at how to describe Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling and his alleged racist remarks.

Editor’s Note: As always, remarks made are those of the writer, and are not necessarily the views of Sportsnaut or any of its affiliates. 

Nothing has been proven, but since the Los Angeles Clippers took their jerseys off and wore their warmups inside out, it seems that Sterling may be guilty until proven innocent in this matter.

We all know what Sterling allegedly said as detailed in the linked Deadspin article, and if true it is unforgivable. Here are some quotes on the matter:

I look at this from two perspectives – as a current owner and a former player. As an owner, I’m obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views. I’m confident that Adam Silver will make a full investigation and take appropriate action quickly. As a former player, I’m completely outraged.

There is no room in the NBA – or anywhere else – for the kind of racism and hatred that Mr. Sterling allegedly expressed….In a league where the majority of players are African-American, we cannot and must not tolerate discrimination at any level.” – Michael Jordan in a statement

There are African Americans living in his building, African Americans buying his season tickets, African Americans putting money in his pockets, yet he doesn’t want them near him? He tells them don’t bother to come, he doesn’t want them in his arena?

In the most diverse city in the United States? How can somebody like that be running a sports team? – Magic Johnson in an interview via LATimes.com

If the reports are true, it’s unacceptable,” James said. “It’s unacceptable in our league. It doesn’t matter if you’re white, black, Hispanic, whatever, all across the races…There is no room for Donald Sterling in our league. – LeBron James in the Miami Herald

As you can see, some of the biggest names the NBA and basketball can offer are not too pleased with the comments that Sterling allegedly made, and for good reason. LeBron said it best when he expressed that “if the reports are true…there is no room for Donald Sterling in our league”.

It could not have been said in a better, there is no room for racist individuals in the NBA, or in any type of association or company. Racism in today’s world shows true bigotry and is a lazy way of thinking. There is no reason for it, and there is no benefit to having views in that nature. Whether or not Sterling was recorded without his permission is irrelevant, because those wretched things were still said.

Part of what has been lost in this entire debacle is not just the alleged racist remarks, but Sterling has had a history of sexism, as can be seen here. This just brings Sterling’s history back around full-circle. If everything that has been said is true, we could possibly be talking about some of the most bigoted, sexist and racist quotes we have seen on this side of the new millennium.

If Sterling’s words were meant, then it presents an entirely new issue in Los Angeles. Sterling would have to sell the team, as no one in any walk of life would want to buy a ticket, a t-shirt, or assert themselves in any way that contributes to the wealth of Donald Sterling.

Another side of the spectrum could be the most important one as far as sport is concerned. Who would want to play for the Clippers? Right now, the players of the organization are playing for themselves, and for the fans. But that is simply because they are already this involved in the season. Next year and in the offseason, the NBA and the Clippers will have a lot of hashing out to do, and one option could be to force Donald Sterling out of the NBA.

In all honestly, anything that can get Sterling out (if reports are true) would be the best way to go about business.

Here is an exclusive of everyone in the world that wants to associate with Sterling.

A wise man once said, “Farewell, fair cruelty.”

This does not mean you Donald Sterling, what better suits you is: “Action is eloquence.”

So Mr. Sterling, Please Go.

Photo: Kirby Lee, USA Today