TMZ dropped the bombshell audio of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling instructing his girlfriend to not bring black people to his games, including Magic Johnson. The disturbing audio exposes Sterling disciplining his girlfriend V. Stiviano for posting a photo with Magic Johnson on Instagram. In the April 9th diatribe Sterling says:
“It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?”
“You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want. The little I ask you is not to promote it on that … and not to bring them to my games.”
“I’m just saying, in your lousy f******* Instagrams, you don’t have to have yourself with, walking with black people.”
“…Don’t put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And don’t bring him to my games.”
The inflammatory comments have ignited outrage from the NBA to celebrities. Here are some of the reactions to Sterling’s insensitive sentiments.
Snoop Dogg has an expletive-laden tirade.
.@cjbycookie and I will never go to a Clippers game again as long as Donald Sterling is the owner.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
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I feel sorry for my friends Coach Doc Rivers and Chris Paul that they have to work for a man that feels that way about African Americans. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
Four words we will rarely ever hear again, “Clippers Free Agent Signee” — Stu Jackson (@StuJackson32) April 26, 2014
I couldn't play for him
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 26, 2014
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Clippers star and NBA Players Association President Chris Paul:
“This is a very serious issue which we will address aggressively. We have asked Mayor Kevin Johnson to expand his responsibilities with the NBPA, to dtermine our response and our next steps. Asp layers, we owe it to our teams and our fans to keep our focus on our game, the playoffs, and a drive to the Finals.”
Former NBA All-Star and mayor Kevin Johnson:
“The National Basketball Players Association must and will play a very active role in determining how this issue is addressed. There needs to be an immediate investigation and if the reports are true, there needs to be strong and swift action taken. I have spoken with NBPA President Chris Paul and will be leading the NBPA in addressing the implications of this serious matter. I will be formally reaching out to the NBA today to determine our next steps.”
That’s the way it is…He is honest about what he believes in..Been going on for a long time, Hats off 2 the Team.. 4 playin above it all.
— Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) April 26, 2014
I know coaches & players play for each other & especially THE FANS, but it would be hard for me to play another game for Sterling. #NBA
Racism is a mental health disease. Seek help.
— Metta World Peace (@MettaWorldPeace) April 26, 2014
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— James Worthy (@James_Worthy42) April 26, 2014
He’s had multiple complaints against him over the last 20 years, but it took this To happen for them to “influence” him to sell the team
— Anthony Morrow (@MrAnthonyMorrow) April 26, 2014
— Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) April 26, 2014
Doc Rivers’ son Jeremiah gives an insightful take on the situation.