The "Donald Sterling's Latest Bigoted Rant And Fallout" Thread

[SirFozzie]

One of the worst owners in sports strikes again.

Clippers Owner Donald Sterling to GF -- Don't Bring Black People to My Games ... Including Magic Johnson | TMZ.com (http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/26/donald-sterling-clippers-owner-black-people-racist-audio-magic-johnson/)

[Thomkal]

One of the worst owners in sports strikes again.

Clippers Owner Donald Sterling to GF -- Don't Bring Black People to My Games ... Including Magic Johnson | TMZ.com (http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/26/donald-sterling-clippers-owner-black-people-racist-audio-magic-johnson/)

I think he needs to look at his roster and realize he's the one bringing black people to his games. :) Will be an interesting test for the new commissioner how he handles this.

[Desnudo]

Just amazing that you can have a completely racist NBA owner.

[Matthean]

One of the worst owners in sports strikes again.

Clippers Owner Donald Sterling to GF -- Don't Bring Black People to My Games ... Including Magic Johnson | TMZ.com (http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/26/donald-sterling-clippers-owner-black-people-racist-audio-magic-johnson/)

Head scratching that they got this far into a relationship even factoring in how much he's worth.

[stevew]

I almost have to think it's really not a big deal to guys like Blake Griffin or Chris Paul or even Doc Rivers. Those all seem likesmart dudes(other than Blake being maybe a young earther) and they willingly play in LA like it's nothing. The big test would be if LeBron somehow ends up in LAC this summer. If so, it's official that nobody cares

[jbergey22]

I almost have to think it's really not a big deal to guys like Blake Griffin or Chris Paul or even Doc Rivers. Those all seem likesmart dudes(other than Blake being maybe a young earther) and they willingly play in LA like it's nothing. The big test would be if LeBron somehow ends up in LAC this summer. If so, it's official that nobody cares

The unfortunate thing of NBA contracts. If you or I think the boss is a racist redneck we can quit and probably find a similar job within the next week. Being a NBA player doesnt give you many options as they are tied down to contracts and team control. Hopefully the NBA does something or even better lets hope the African American fanbase boycotts their games until the NBA does something.

Hopefully his GF gets rid of him also.

Where did this leak come from?

[Danny]

Just amazing that you can have a completely racist NBA owner.

He probably gets kicks out of in his mind "owning" his players.

[stevew]

The unfortunate thing of NBA contracts. If you or I think the boss is a racist redneck we can quit and probably find a similar job within the next week. Being a NBA player doesnt give you many options as they are tied down to contracts and team control. Hopefully the NBA does something or even better lets hope the African American fanbase boycotts their games until the NBA does something.

Hopefully his GF gets rid of him also.

Where did this leak come from?

Maybe that rules out Blake. But Chris Paul could go anywhere he wanted last summer and elected to stay in LA. Doc Rivers probably had other coaching options but was willing to take Sterling's money.

I think Sterling is a POS, but I'm just saying this is maybe one of those things that is much more outrageous to the viewing public than it is to the actual employees involved.

[chadritt]

The big test would be if LeBron somehow ends up in LAC this summer.

Nobody really thought there was a chance of that last time and it was almost entirely because of Sterling. Everyone knew he was a racist scumbag, ask Baron Davis or anyone who pays him rent, and locally a lot of people have been waiting for something like this if it gets him kicked out.

[Desnudo]

Maybe that rules out Blake. But Chris Paul could go anywhere he wanted last summer and elected to stay in LA. Doc Rivers probably had other coaching options but was willing to take Sterling's money.

I think Sterling is a POS, but I'm just saying this is maybe one of those things that is much more outrageous to the viewing public than it is to the actual employees involved.

I would imagine 10M makes a lot of problems go away

[nol]

One of the worst owners in sports strikes again.

Clippers Owner Donald Sterling to GF -- Don't Bring Black People to My Games ... Including Magic Johnson | TMZ.com (http://www.tmz.com/2014/04/26/donald-sterling-clippers-owner-black-people-racist-audio-magic-johnson/)

Such a POS that my uncle was *this* close to staying with the Celtics rather than following Doc and taking the same position with a team that was 30 wins better.

LeBron came out with some strong words before the game, saying there's no room for Sterling in the league and putting it squarely on Silver to take action.
LeBron James: 'No room' for Sterling in NBA if comments accurate - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24540625/lebron-james-no-room-for-sterling-in-nba-if-comments-accurate)

Seriously, how insane is it that the owners get to act like they're being generous by giving the players a 50-50 split of revenue when someone who has perennially been one of the worst, if not the worst, owner in sports can piggyback on the NBA's success and see his investment grow from $12 million in 1981 to probably close to a billion today.

[BillJasper]

LeBron came out with some strong words before the game, saying there's no room for Sterling in the league and putting it squarely on Silver to take action.
LeBron James: 'No room' for Sterling in NBA if comments accurate - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24540625/lebron-james-no-room-for-sterling-in-nba-if-comments-accurate)

James is right. The NBA needs to force Sterling to sell at this point.

[stevew]

Forbes has them worth $595m and IMO I wouldn't be shocked if true value was easily twice that.

[nol]

Forbes has them worth $595m and IMO I wouldn't be shocked if true value was easily twice that.

Yeah, that's Bucks and Kings territory whereas the Clippers are in a market that can entice top-five players and coaches while having zero winning tradition and a grade-A scumbag in charge of things .

[BillJasper]

Yeah, that's Bucks territory whereas the Clippers are in a market that can entice top-five players and coaches despite the fact that a grade-A scumbag is in charge of things.

Likely the reason they're valued at $595 million is because of Sterling. If there was a real owner in place, I do believe they'd be worth twice that.

[stevew]

Easy fix-
Magic Johnson gets a group of investors together and they buy the team. Then they entice Orlando to give up their nickname. Call the team either the Los Angeles Magic or the Hollywood Magic.

Profit

[DaddyTorgo]

Easy fix-
Magic Johnson gets a group of investors together and they buy the team. Then they entice Orlando to give up their nickname. Call the team either the Los Angeles Magic or the Hollywood Magic.

Profit

Easier fix: Magic Johnson gets Showtime to pony up a bunch of money to buy the team. Entice Orlando to give up their nickname.

Bingo. Showtime Magic live again!

[stevew]

Or you just call them the Los Angeles Showtime

[JonInMiddleGA]

I saw this question asked elsewhere, so I'll pose it here: has there been confirmation that's Sterling on the tape?

I mean, this IS the (ex)girlfriend who is currently being sued by the estranged Mrs. Sterling for about $2m and there were previous threats that she would "get even" with them. With TMZ now reporting that she will not be cooperating with the NBA investigation, her motives are at least questionable here.

edit to add: I haven't the foggiest idea what Sterling sounds like or anything, for all I know he's got some uniquely identifiable voice & there's no question about it or whatever. I didn't even think of the possibility that it could be a fake until I saw it mentioned online earlier tonight.

[Matthean]

Wouldn't people familiar with him be calling that aspect into question?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Wouldn't people familiar with him be calling that aspect into question?

{shrug} Not like he's a guy that has much of a fan club, best I can tell. Far more fun to just go after the rich old white guy.

I mean, let's see how long it takes for me to end up hung, drawn and quartered for simply repeating the question (I think it came originally from one of his attorneys fwiw).

[nol]

Likely the reason they're valued at $595 million is because of Sterling. If there was a real owner in place, I do believe they'd be worth twice that.

I was speaking more to how Forbes undervalues NBA franchises to the point that the Kings, a bottom-five franchise, sold for $550 million when Forbes was valuing the average NBA franchise in the low $300 millions (and keep in mind that the league turned down an offer from the group that wanted to move the Kings to Seattle that was willing to go $100 million higher than the Sacramento group's valuation).

[Matthean]

{shrug} Not like he's a guy that has much of a fan club, best I can tell. Far more fun to just go after the rich old white guy.

I mean, let's see how long it takes for me to end up hung, drawn and quartered for simply repeating the question (I think it came originally from one of his attorneys fwiw).

I think her revenge was merely taping him. She knew what he could likely say if prodded to do so.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I think her revenge was merely taping him. She knew what he could likely say if prodded to do so.

Given the circumstances (which I'd never even heard of before today) there really isn't anything that would be beyond the realm of possibility to me here.
I suspect we'll be learning quite a bit more about the girlfriend (or ex-girlfriend ?) in the days & weeks to come.

[chadritt]

"Mr. Sterling is emphatic that what is reflected on that recording is not consistent with, nor does it reflect his views, beliefs or feelings. It is the antithesis of who he is, what he believes and how he has lived his life. He feels terrible that such sentiments are being attributed to him and apologizes to anyone who might have been hurt by them."
Thats not even trying to deny its him.

[miami_fan]

{shrug} Not like he's a guy that has much of a fan club, best I can tell. Far more fun to just go after the rich old white guy.

I mean, let's see how long it takes for me to end up hung, drawn and quartered for simply repeating the question (I think it came originally from one of his attorneys fwiw).

Jon, if you have not been hung, drawn and quartered by now, I think you will be safe with this question.;)

I am sorry I can't too worked up about this one. Donald Sterling's views have been on display for over three decades now. He is what he is. As far as going after the rich white guy, the NBA and it owners have shown no willingness to do this past. Maybe it is due to it being much more fun to go after the players.

Donald Sterling is the NBA's and its owners' mess, not Chris Paul's and the Clippers' - Yahoo Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/news/donald-sterling-is-the-nba-s-and-its-owners--mess-to-clean-up--not-chis-paul-s-and-the-clippers-181729322.html)

[JonInMiddleGA]

"Mr. Sterling is emphatic that what is reflected on that recording is not consistent with, nor does it reflect his views, beliefs or feelings. It is the antithesis of who he is, what he believes and how he has lived his life. He feels terrible that such sentiments are being attributed to him and apologizes to anyone who might have been hurt by them."
Thats not even trying to deny its him.

But that exact same statement begins with the following (which has to be what I saw, team president rather than an attorney as I misremembered earlier)

In addition to the NBA investigation, the Clippers have opened their own investigation, team president Andy Roeser said in a statement.

"We have heard the tape on TMZ. We do not know if it is legitimate or it has been altered,"

[chadritt]

and yet none of that says "Donald Sterling insists that is not him on that tape" or anything close to it. it basically says "it may have been edited to be out of context but its him...its totally him"

[JPhillips]

Yeah, wouldn't he know whether or not he said that?

[Matthean]

But that exact same statement begins with the following (which has to be what I saw, team president rather than an attorney as I misremembered earlier)

His apology doesn't hint at it being edited. It is the same ole, "Oops, I got caught. Please forgive me as that isn't who I really am."

[Desnudo]

{shrug} Not like he's a guy that has much of a fan club, best I can tell. Far more fun to just go after the rich old white guy.

I mean, let's see how long it takes for me to end up hung, drawn and quartered for simply repeating the question (I think it came originally from one of his attorneys fwiw).

Go get those rich white guys. Thank god you're here hold the line.

[Lathum]

Go get those rich white guys. Thank god you're here hold the line.

Because the 20 something insanely hot girl was with him for his personality? His looks? Maybe he is cocky and funny?

[Desnudo]

Because the 20 something insanely hot girl was with him for his personality? His looks? Maybe he is cocky and funny?

What does this have to do with my comment?

[mckerney]

The NAACP has announced the no longer plan to give Donald Sterling his second lifetime achievement award from the organization.

[sterlingice]

So the Rockets saved (for now) by ... Troy Daniels ?

That and James Harden deciding to show up for game 3

SI

[JPhillips]

The NAACP has announced the no longer plan to give Donald Sterling his second lifetime achievement award from the organization.

That was a disgrace even before this story broke. Sterling has settled multiple discrimination and harassment cases for millions. There are plenty of people in L.A. that they could have chosen, but I'm sure this was about a donation given or a donation to come. Shameful.

[JonInMiddleGA]

That was a disgrace even before this story broke. Sterling has settled multiple discrimination and harassment cases for millions. There are plenty of people in L.A. that they could have chosen, but I'm sure this was about a donation given or a donation to come. Shameful.

This wouldn't have been his first award from the group, previously honored him back in 2009.

At the time (which was in the middle of the failed Elgin Baylor lawsuit no less), the local chapter head cited Sterling's generosity (http://articles.latimes.com/2009/may/06/sports/sp-crowe6) in donation thousands of tickets per game to local youth groups as well as what we do know is that for the most part [Sterling] has been very, very kind to the minority youth community.

[nol]

I dunno if it's comparable. It can be hard for refs to see holding as usually there is just two referees looking at the trenches of 5-7 blockers. It's tough to see EVERYTHING. Whereas in the NBA and all basketball sports the man with the ball is being watched 100% of the time by at least one ref. Giving yourself a full advantage by taking an extra step (or change your pivot foot) when it's written in the rules that you cannot. It's a rule that should be easily enforced.

I would have been scared for the ref if he called the travel on Carter and sent that game to OT. He would have been chased from the building.

But a line judge just has to watch someone's arms and make sure nobody goes downfield on a pass play. On a play like that you have to watch Carter's feet for traveling and also make sure he wasn't stepping out of bounds, watch his hand/the ball to make sure he got the shot off on time, and also watch for a foul that could take place up top (normal shooting foul), down low (offensive player kicking his leg out) or in the midsection (the push with the off hand they would definitely be watching for since Chris Paul got away with one the night before).

Also it was an inbounds play with 1 second and change left that everybody in the stadium thought was going to go to Dirk or Monta Ellis, so it's not like one guy had his eye trained on Carter the entire time.

[TroyF]

That was a disgrace even before this story broke. Sterling has settled multiple discrimination and harassment cases for millions. There are plenty of people in L.A. that they could have chosen, but I'm sure this was about a donation given or a donation to come. Shameful.

Back a few years ago when all of the big names hit FA and people were talking about the Clippers, I asked the question of how realistic it was any non-white player would sign with the Clippers when they had other options. Chief and I had a little discussion, but the basics were "It's LA, it's millions, they'll come"

I guess the only thing that shocks me about this is that THIS is the story that looks like it might bring this guy down. THIS. Forget the fact that rather than just telling his girl what to do he actually did discriminate against large groups of minorities and was forced to pay 7 million plus dollars to get out of the deal. Forget his history of ridiculous behavior (heckling his own players at one point) THIS is what gets him.

I guess it's good to know. Intentionally limit the options of minorities and if I'm rich enough I can recover. Piss off Magic Johnson and it's go time.

Good lord. . .

[Logan]

Even if you had the most trustworthy people in the world swearing that the comments were real, the story doesn't get anywhere near as big without the audio (or video in those cases). That's why it's "this" that did him in.

[Chief Rum]

As the resident Clippers fan, needless to say my massive disdain for DTS has not gone down. I have wanted him gone for years. I root for the Clips in spite of him. He is a terrible person and this was a well known fact on Friday.

The NBA can't force him to sell the team, but I hope they have the power to basically make it so he can only be an absentee owner. But that's probably not possible either.

[nol]

I guess the only thing that shocks me about this is that THIS is the story that looks like it might bring this guy down. THIS. Forget the fact that rather than just telling his girl what to do he actually did discriminate against large groups of minorities and was forced to pay 7 million plus dollars to get out of the deal. Forget his history of ridiculous behavior (heckling his own players at one point) THIS is what gets him.

This column is probably the best thing out there for answering "why now?"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20140427/nba-donald-sterling-chris-paul-clippers-david-stern/

Everyone else around the league was fine with letting Sterling shit all over the place because he was creating a toxic environment that ensured the Clippers would be a laughingstock. People could point to his past incidents and say "yep, that's why the Clippers are the Clippers."

Now that the Clippers got Paul gift-wrapped to them, it put Sterling in a position of legitimacy where what he says isn't coming from some fringe lunatic but from the owner of one of the more visible/marquee franchises.

It's like having an old racist uncle. You might first think that it's not worth the trouble of calling him out when he goes on one of his rants because you only have to see him on Christmas and Thanksgiving, and he's going to die in a few years anyway. But then one day he wins the Mega Millions and becomes semi-famous, and all of a sudden everybody you know's coming up to you and saying "Wait, you're related to that guy who won the lottery, right?" Then it becomes something where never mentioning him in conversation with your friends and acquaintances isn't going to work and you'll have to be more vocal in distancing yourself from his views.

[Young Drachma]

Marge Schott him for a few years, then the NBA can flip the team for nearly a billion and call it good. Hell those Seattle guys would pay a billion for LA's 2nd team and would move them to Seattle and there you go, Chris Paul as a Sonic? Almost makes up for stealing Durant and company.

I realize Clips fans wouldn't appreciate this. And I wonder if it's more lucrative to be LA's 2nd team or Seattle's 1st.

[Chief Rum]

This column is probably the best thing out there for answering "why now?"

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20140427/nba-donald-sterling-chris-paul-clippers-david-stern/

Everyone else around the league was fine with letting Sterling shit all over the place because he was creating a toxic environment that ensured the Clippers would be a laughingstock. People could point to his past incidents and say "yep, that's why the Clippers are the Clippers."

Now that the Clippers got Paul gift-wrapped to them, it put Sterling in a position of legitimacy where what he says isn't coming from some fringe lunatic but from the owner of one of the more visible/marquee franchises.

I agree with the deserved outrage about Sterling, but the takes in that article are awful. If that's the best out there, then the Internet needs to take a day off.

[Chief Rum]

Marge Schott him for a few years, then the NBA can flip the team for nearly a billion and call it good. Hell those Seattle guys would pay a billion for LA's 2nd team and would move them to Seattle and there you go, Chris Paul as a Sonic? Almost makes up for stealing Durant and company.

I realize Clips fans wouldn't appreciate this. And I wonder if it's more lucrative to be LA's 2nd team or Seattle's 1st.

LA's second.

[Chief Rum]

And it's not even close.

[Logan]

I'd vote for LAs 3rd.

[Young Drachma]

LA's second.

I'd vote for LAs 3rd.

But this is the same NBA that let a team move from Charlotte to New Orleans and Seattle to Oklahoma City.

NBA ain't care.

If two dudes are willing to drop a billy on your league to replace a curmudgeon owner for a payday. Lakers surely want their market and can evict the Clips out of Staples. Not saying it'll happen, but...it's tailormade for it if they need a team to relocate without really pissing off a fanbase.

I don't disagree though. They said a few years ago that NYC metro could support 6 MLB teams and even being NHL 3rd team is more lucrative than most markets in NHL, so surely this is no different.

[Matthean]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BmQIbEpIMAAwKWb.jpg:large

[Lathum]

Sponsors starting to drop the Clippers- Carmax is out and Statefarm is being reported to be as well.

[digamma]

Good.

I have been trying to come up with a way that the fans could make a difference. Game 5 is already sold out, so I wonder if you could do some sort of concessions or merchandise boycott. Go to the game to support the players, spend no money there.

[Lathum]

Good.

I have been trying to come up with a way that the fans could make a difference. Game 5 is already sold out, so I wonder if you could do some sort of concessions or merchandise boycott. Go to the game to support the players, spend no money there.

Then other people suffer, the vendors, etc...because of his actions.

The problem in this situation is Sterling is basically untouchable. There is no fine that can hurt him financially and Silver can't do much more than suspend him, big deal, so he watches the games from his mansion.

I believe I heard something this morning that the other owners can force him to sell, but don't know how all that works.

[digamma]

Staples is fairly corporate in its food options. It's fine with me if McDonald's or Cuervo Tequila gets sent a message that their sales will suffer for doing business with an asshat.

I agree with you that it is a difficult web to untangle, but the alternative of simply doing nothing (which in reality is likely what will happen) is unappealing.

[Lathum]

Staples is fairly corporate in its food options. It's fine with me if McDonald's or Cuervo Tequila gets sent a message that their sales will suffer for doing business with an asshat.

I agree with you that it is a difficult web to untangle, but the alternative of simply doing nothing (which in reality is likely what will happen) is unappealing.

Not to argue the point, but while McDonalds as a company won't suffer, the employees will. No one buying food/ t-shirts/ flip foam fingers means all those employees hours get cut, not as many janitors needed to clean the arena, they are sent home early, etc...Its a trickle down.

[Logan]

Virgin America is out.

[digamma]

First, I'm talking about something more symbolic. One game is not going to cost anyone their jobs.

What would cost people jobs is trotting out a 17-65 basketball team that no one wants to go see because no free agents want to play basketball for the asshat owner. Attendance plummets to a few thousand a game. All of the upper concourse concessions are closed, etc.

[molson]

So the girlfriend's name is "V"?

[Ben E Lou]

New thread for those of us who want to discuss this but rightfully hate the stupid long thread trend. Just moved everything from the first post about it over here. If your post was about the playoffs, just re-post it over there.

[Ben E Lou]

That was a disgrace even before this story broke. Sterling has settled multiple discrimination and harassment cases for millions. There are plenty of people in L.A. that they could have chosen, but I'm sure this was about a donation given or a donation to come. Shameful.I saw a Jesse Jackson interview where he said something along the lines of "the NAACP misread a large donation from him."

What would cost people jobs is trotting out a 17-65 basketball team that no one wants to go see because no free agents want to play basketball for the asshat owner. Attendance plummets to a few thousand a game. All of the upper concourse concessions are closed, etc.Yeah, I can't imagine that the organization will be competitive with him as the owner moving forward.

[Buccaneer]

I have long despised Sterling going back to the SD Clippers days, my 2nd least favorite owner in sports after Lauria. But I have tuned out anything from that tool the past couple of decades but I also have tuned out anything from TMZ. Do we now take TMZ seriously as a news source, esp from a disgruntled bimbo?

In the end, I wish for sterling to disappear from sports - however it can be done. That still won't make feel any less contempt for the nba though.

[Lathum]

First, I'm talking about something more symbolic. One game is not going to cost anyone their jobs.

What would cost people jobs is trotting out a 17-65 basketball team that no one wants to go see because no free agents want to play basketball for the asshat owner. Attendance plummets to a few thousand a game. All of the upper concourse concessions are closed, etc.

fair enough, I just don't think anything symbolic will hurt him either.

Totally agree with the second point. Doc Rivers pretty much has his resignation ready to go.

[cartman]

Supposedly Magic is lobbying for the NBA to force a sale to his investment group.

Report: Magic Johnson wants to buy the Clippers - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24543425/report-magic-johnson-wants-to-buy-the-clippers)

[nol]

I saw a Jesse Jackson interview where he said something along the lines of "the NAACP misread a large donation from him."

Another major perk of being rich. Give away the same proportion of your net worth that the average Joe does by dumping some change in a homeless person's cup and you get a community award to use as a nice PR shield you can throw up whenever any of your numerous transgressions are brought to light.

What would cost people jobs is trotting out a 17-65 basketball team that no one wants to go see because no free agents want to play basketball for the asshat owner. Attendance plummets to a few thousand a game. All of the upper concourse concessions are closed, etc.

Which then would give Sterling even more spare tickets he can use to fool people into thinking that he's not trash by donating them to minority youth groups - the circle of life! Remember: he does it out of the kindness of his heart, not the fact that putting large groups of school-aged children in the cheap seats is the surest way to prop up your attendance numbers when you have a bad NBA team.

Also echoing that Doc is not very likely to stay, He had his house burned to the ground in 1996, I believe, in what was a racially-motivated arson.

And yeah, it's 2014. TMZ and Deadspin will occasionally break news stories.

[chadritt]

Do we now take TMZ seriously as a news source, esp from a disgruntled bimbo?
.

Like it or not yes we do, especially when they have proof like an audio recording.

[Subby]

I have long despised Sterling going back to the SD Clippers days, my 2nd least favorite owner in sports after Lauria. But I have tuned out anything from that tool the past couple of decades but I also have tuned out anything from TMZ. Do we now take TMZ seriously as a news source, esp from a disgruntled bimbo?

In the end, I wish for sterling to disappear from sports - however it can be done. That still won't make feel any less contempt for the nba though.
Nice - you managed to be sexist, racist, and ignorant of modern media all in one post!

[Logan]

I didn't know Phil Mushnick posted here.

[Toddzilla]

HAHAHAHAHAHA

[stevew]

Supposedly Magic is lobbying for the NBA to force a sale to his investment group.

Report: Magic Johnson wants to buy the Clippers - CBSSports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24543425/report-magic-johnson-wants-to-buy-the-clippers)

why did i read the comments under this article. I keep trying to quit doing that. People are such hacks.

[Buccaneer]

But comments to articles, including those with Facebook ids, are a big part of the modern media too. When there are no standards, then everything goes, including stupid comments to articles.

[Logan]

Does Sterling own 100% of the team at this point? I'm pretty sure he bought them on his own but didn't know if he had sold off any pieces over time.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Does Sterling own 100% of the team at this point? I'm pretty sure he bought them on his own but didn't know if he had sold off any pieces over time.

A quick cursory Google seems to indicate that he's still the sole owner.

[stevew]

I'm guessing that Stern's master plan here was to just hope that Sterling died before he got involved in anything controversial again. I guess there's really not much Stern could even do as commissioner, but it still sucks.

[larrymcg421]

I'm guessing that Stern's master plan here was to just hope that Sterling died before he got involved in anything controversial again. I guess there's really not much Stern could even do as commissioner, but it still sucks.

Well apparently Stern could do anything, such as deciding who won or lost any game and who got each draft pick. I don't see why he wouldn't be able to pull off some kind of organized hit if he really wanted to get rid of Sterling.

[Lathum]

I'm guessing that Stern's master plan here was to just hope that Sterling died before he got involved in anything controversial again. I guess there's really not much Stern could even do as commissioner, but it still sucks.

Adam Silver is now the commish...


Suck it John Farrell guy...;)

[stevew]

Well apparently Stern could do anything, such as deciding who won or lost any game and who got each draft pick. I don't see why he wouldn't be able to pull off some kind of organized hit if he really wanted to get rid of Sterling.

There's no bylaws against fixing games or the lottery though.

[stevew]

Adam Silver is now the commish...


Suck it John Farrell guy...;)

yeah, but a bunch of shit just happened on Stern's watch through the years and he shrugged it off and figured it wouldn't come to any kind of head, or if it did Stern would be outta there anyways.

(and you know I love you but John Farrell won the WS last year, that's kind of a big deal)

[Logan]

Rachel Zarrell ‏@rachelzarrell 9m

UPDATE: Loanmart is suspending their Clippers sponsorship. Only two companies remain -- Yokohama tires & Corona.

[DaddyTorgo]

Why is no one talking about the fact that Sterling

a) Has apparently been married for 50 years
b) Has a biracial girlfriend
c) Has no issues with his girlfriend sleeping around

Not that that should take away from his comments or distract from them, but that's a whole nother thing!

[Logan]

http://usatthebiglead.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/v-stiviano-mask-2.jpg?w=283

[Matthean]

Why is no one talking about the fact that Sterling

a) Has apparently been married for 50 years
b) Has a biracial girlfriend
c) Has no issues with his girlfriend sleeping around

If A and B are true, he doesn't have much to stand on in regards to C.

[DaddyTorgo]

If A and B are true, he doesn't have much to stand on in regards to C.

Very true - I just find that part of the whole story...not amusing...but...eye-raising also I guess I'd say.

[stevew]

If only there was a way to poll the members of this organization as to whether the lady in question is hot or not. I'd need to probably see a full body shot before determining this.

[DaddyTorgo]

If only there was a way to poll the members of this organization as to whether the lady in question is hot or not. I'd need to probably see a full body shot before determining this.

hit the google, they're out there.

My take is "Not"

[claphamsa]

not

[BYU 14]

If only there was a way to poll the members of this organization as to whether the lady in question is hot or not. I'd need to probably see a full body shot before determining this.

I would say yes in some shots and hell no in others, which usually indicates a whole lot of prep is needed..

http://d.ibtimes.co.uk/en/full/1375968/donald-sterlings-girlfriend-v-stiviano.jpg

http://mindofmalaka.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/donald-sterling-girlfriend-v-stiviano-photos-1.jpg

http://blog.clairepeetz.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/0425-donald-sterling-girlfriend-v-stiviano-instagram-launch-3.jpg

[stevew]

not really into that much hind quarters action.

yeah, she def has chameleon type looks where she never looks exactly the same twice.

[miami_fan]

Very true - I just find that part of the whole story...not amusing...but...eye-raising also I guess I'd say.

Combined with the statement from his wife, I found this part VERY amusing.

[DaddyTorgo]

Combined with the statement from his wife, I found this part VERY amusing.

Yeah - I mean it seems like they clearly have some sort of arrangement, which is fine, that's none of our business.

But then he's got a mistress who is at least somewhat serious (being photographed with her in public frequently). And he's clearly nonchalant about his mistress sleeping with other guys. Which again, that's fine, none of our business.

But put it all together and it's just...an interesting window into his personal life.

[Matthean]

She gets close to his money but not that close, and he gets to bang a chick well out of his league in terms of looks. Players are so well known to have women on the side it isn't surprising to see owners do it as well.

[NobodyHere]

...or rich people in general

[panerd]

...or rich people in general

Sadly... people in general.

[ColtCrazy]

It's bad enough to have one on the side…but to flaunt it??? Sterling definitely has an inflated opinion of himself.

[EagleFan]

It’s Impossible To Say Whose Voice That Was, But He Made Some Compelling Points | The Onion - America's Finest News Source (http://www.theonion.com/articles/its-impossible-to-say-whose-voice-that-was-but-he,35898/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=SocialMarketing&utm_campaign=LinkPreview:1:Default)

[molson]

He separated with his wife a long time ago. So he's openly living the billionaire playboy lifestyle now. And I'm sure at his age, he doesn't care about emotional commitment or anything.

[EagleFan]

You would think with his money that he could have pulled something better.

[nol]

It's Los Angeles. There are plenty of slightly less rich but extremely less decrepit creepy dudes on the prowl for girls in their twenties.

[Izulde]

Why is no one talking about the fact that Sterling

a) Has apparently been married for 50 years
b) Has a biracial girlfriend
c) Has no issues with his girlfriend sleeping around

Not that that should take away from his comments or distract from them, but that's a whole nother thing!

I'd like to introduce you to a thing called Orientalism.

[stevew]

Presser is at 2.

I predict a $1m or so fine, indefinite suspension, independent management being brought in at least temporarily while he either looks to sell or prepares an extraordinary financial apology.

I sure hope that they don't let him just transfer over d2d stuff to Rochelle.

Ideally the other 29 owners and the league would each temporarily give him 30m a piece for the team and he'd walk away but you don't have a net worth of 1.9bn by going away quietly.

[stevew]

It's bad enough to have one on the side…but to flaunt it??? Sterling definitely has an inflated opinion of himself.

Let's just suppose he doesnt subscribe to traditional morality. His wife is approx 80 and it's realistic that she can no longer have sex. His dick still works. Maybe he could be more discreet I guess, but he's basically the modern equivalent of a fuedal lord with his massive wealth and power

[Lathum]

Presser is at 2.

I predict a $1m or so fine, indefinite suspension, independent management being brought in at least temporarily while he either looks to sell or prepares an extraordinary financial apology.

I sure hope that they don't let him just transfer over d2d stuff to Rochelle.

Ideally the other 29 owners and the league would each temporarily give him 30m a piece for the team and he'd walk away but you don't have a net worth of 1.9bn by going away quietly.

The league should take control and trade Chris Paul to the Lakers.

[PilotMan]

He has to go. I'm not sure that the league can really manage being tied to someone like this any longer, given the light of all the attention over the past few days.

The backlash of not acting strong enough could ruin the Clippers more than just being the Clippers has.

[Lathum]

He has to go. I'm not sure that the league can really manage being tied to someone like this any longer, given the light of all the attention over the past few days.

The backlash of not acting strong enough could ruin the Clippers more than just being the Clippers has.

But what is "strong enough?"

The league can only do so much.

[Blackadar]

That 2015 1st round Clippers pick is looking better and better for Boston.

[PilotMan]

But what is "strong enough?"

The league can only do so much.

I would imagine that with enough pressure from the other owners that he could be compelled to leave, or taken out. There has to be something in the charter about "actions detrimental to the league." The same way there is similar language in most contracts.

If it's not hard enough, will the players take more action?

[cartman]

The NBA doesn't have the anti-trust exemption like MLB has, so that makes actions by the commissioner's office a lot more difficult.

[SteveMax58]

I would imagine that with enough pressure from the other owners that he could be compelled to leave, or taken out. There has to be something in the charter about "actions detrimental to the league." The same way there is similar language in most contracts.

If it's not hard enough, will the players take more action?
So the same people that told him his mistress is "always posting pics with black people" are going to run him out of the league?

I know it isn't stated in the audio tapes that "other owners" were telling him that ("friends" as I recall, which may or may not be owners of teams or friends in the sense that us commoners would term it)....but if they were....that would certainly complicate the situation of telling him to leave for fear that he goes completely awol & outs them. At least, thats my conspiracy theory.

[stevew]

Yeah. I bet Tommy Boy Buss(or the "Short Buss") kept blowing up his phone about it.

[Logan]

Marc Stein ‏@ESPNSteinLine 7m

It's only one team, but expectation from that one is Silver will go as far as lifetime suspension for Sterling wth fine well over $1 mil AND

And a pledge from league to help Sterling sell the Clippers ... but also the vow to pursue voting him out if Sterling doesn't co-operate


Woj also had an article today that Rivers won't return if Sterling still owns the team and he expects several players to demand trades. That would probably be what results in a sale. Start weakening the roster significantly and it could probably shave $50-100 million off a sale price.

[Matthean]

I'm assuming the punishment is being handed out after it is confirmed the tape is real without edits.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Never one to be bashful, Mark Cuban has some pretty important comments IMO.

Mark Cuban of Dallas Mavericks rails against Donald Sterling, but not in favor of kicking out owner - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/10854381/mark-cuban-dallas-mavericks-rails-donald-sterling-not-favor-kicking-owner)

As you might imagine, I'm a pretty consistent proponent of the right to (not) associate but legally this is very slippery ground at the moment based on what we know about the NBA constitution.

This online summary talks about several court cases which I'm surprised we haven't already heard discussed in connection with Sterling.
The Freedom Not to Associate (http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/association.htm)

Roberts v. United States Jaycees recognized that "that the power to determine its own membership is central to the free speech rights of expressive organizations." The wrinkle that I see here comes from something else out of that ruling, where O'Connor (who concurred) differentiated between expressive organizations and commercial
organizations. "She found that the Jaycees were a commercial organization and therefore subject to state regualtion of its membership. On the other hand, according to O'Connor, a predominately expressive association has an absolute right to determine its own membership."

Basically what I'm seeing there is something like this:

If the NBA (and the owners) were not a commercial enterprise but were instead some sort of advocacy group, they could likely kick him to the curb.

But they are a commercial enterprise, which this case deemed subject to state regulations ... I'm going to amateurishly describe that as being something like "subject to the law overruling their personal preferences about rights of association".

In other words, I believe Roberts vs Jaycees might well be used to force the NBA to live up to exactly what is in their constitution. They aren't immune to the force of law in other words. And if the league constitution is essentially equal to a contract ... well, they're probably stuck with Sterling whether they like it or not, at least in terms of not having "just kick him out" as an option.

[DaddyTorgo]

As you might imagine, I'm a pretty consistent proponent of the right to (not) associate but legally this is very slippery ground at the moment based on what we know about the NBA constitution.


In other words, I believe Roberts vs Jaycees might well be used to force the NBA to live up to exactly what is in their constitution. They aren't immune to the force of law in other words. And if the league constitution is essentially equal to a contract ... well, they're probably stuck with Sterling whether they like it or not, at least in terms of not having "just kick him out" as an option.

We don't really know what's in the NBA constitution though, that's the thing. Maybe they've got some "morality" type clause for owners, or something that defines owners in legal terms where they can be sanctioned by the league. Or maybe they don't but they'll drop a fine on him or come out and say that all their players are free agents if he doesn't sell the team, or that they're contracting the team if he doesn't sell it. Whatever they do will obviously be within the bounds of what's allowed by their constitution, so we might as well just sit here and wait and see what it is rather than speculate.

[albionmoonlight]

I would imagine that with enough pressure from the other owners that he could be compelled to leave, or taken out. There has to be something in the charter about "actions detrimental to the league." The same way there is similar language in most contracts.

I can't imagine that the NBA wants Sterling out any more than the NFL wanted Al Davis out for about 25 years. And they never got Al out.

The charter was written by the owners. It would not shock me if any language it contains regarding "conduct detrimental" makes it harder, not easier, to force an owner to sell.

Pure speculation on my part.

[albionmoonlight]

or that they're contracting the team if he doesn't sell it.

That would be pretty funny. The NBA contracts the Clippers. That same offseason, they award an LA expansion team. And they make only Clippers eligible for the expansion draft.

[Buccaneer]

Rozelle and most of the owners wanted Davis out but even after endless court cases, they had no grounds. I also wonder about MLB and Loria but nothing they can do.

[JonInMiddleGA]

or come out and say that all their players are free agents if he doesn't sell the team, or that they're contracting the team if he doesn't sell it.

I've seen that first quoted bit mentioned, sounds like one of the most absurd ideas ever frankly. If there is actually a provision for that sort of action then how long before it's used to free up unhappy players elsewhere? Cuban's "slippery slope" description definitely comes to mind there.

The other seems pretty far-fetched to me, although it might actually turn out to be more doable through some procedural clause that probably does exist. I mean, surely they have procedures to govern contraction of a franchise, so at least a framework is there one way or the other.

[henry296]

Based on this article, the commish does have some broader powers:

Munson: Challenge for Donald Sterling - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10852199/challenge-donald-sterling)

[Galaxy]

I've seen that first quoted bit mentioned, sounds like one of the most absurd ideas ever frankly. If there is actually a provision for that sort of action then how long before it's used to free up unhappy players elsewhere? Cuban's "slippery slope" description definitely comes to mind there.

The other seems pretty far-fetched to me, although it might actually turn out to be more doable through some procedural clause that probably does exist. I mean, surely they have procedures to govern contraction of a franchise, so at least a framework is there one way or the other.

I agree. Lawsuits just wanting to happen and Sterling would win.

[Lathum]

They will never contact the team or make all the players free agents. the players association would never go for contraction and the league would never release all those guys as free agents.

Sterling is going to get a fine and a suspension and all this will be old news by the start of next year. The only thing of signifigance I see is Rivers leaving and future free agents not signing, but it isn't like the Clippers havent languished for years, so it will be back to status quo.

[sterlingice]

The league should take control and trade Chris Paul to the Lakers.

You know, "basketball reasons"

SI

[sterlingice]

They will never contact the team or make all the players free agents. the players association would never go for contraction and the league would never release all those guys as free agents.

"Hm... Chris Paul and Blake Griffin get dumped onto the market right as the Lakers free up their books. How weird!"

SI

[DaddyTorgo]

Munson: Challenge for Donald Sterling - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10852199/challenge-donald-sterling)



Q: What penalties can Silver issue?

A: Under the provisions of the bylaws, Silver has two sets of powers that he may use. Under either, he can issue a lifetime suspension and a substantial fine. Under Paragraph 24(l) of the constitution that was adopted by the NBA owners on Oct. 26, 2005, he can issue a fine of up to $2.5 million, can suspend an owner indefinitely and can order the forfeiture of draft picks. This provision applies to situations that are not covered by specific rules within the constitution. In another provision, Paragraph 35(A)(c), Silver can issue an indefinite suspension and a fine of $1 million to any owner who "makes ... a statement having or designed to have an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of basketball." If Silver wants to hammer Sterling, he can assert that Sterling's statements are so egregious that they go beyond the misconduct contemplated in Paragraph 35 and allow Silver to assess the greater penalties found in Paragraph 24. Sterling can argue that he merely made a statement, but the statement at a minimum allows a lifetime suspension and a $1 million fine.

Q: Is it possible for Silver and the NBA to terminate Sterling's franchise ownership?

A: Yes. Under the terms of Paragraph 13 of the constitution, the owners can terminate another owner's franchise with a vote of three-fourths of the NBA Board of Governors, which is composed of all 30 owners. The power to terminate is limited to things like gambling and fraud in the application for ownership, but it also includes a provision for termination when an owner "fails to fulfill" a "contractual obligation" in "such a way as to affect the [NBA] or its members adversely." Silver and the owners could assert that Sterling's statements violated the constitution's requirements to conduct business on a "reasonable" and "ethical" level.



Q: Sterling is notoriously litigious. Can he go to court to stop Silver from punishing him?

A: Not effectively. When Silver issues his punishment to Sterling, the decision is final. The constitution provides in Paragraph 24(m) that a commissioner's decision shall be "final, binding, and conclusive" and shall be as final as an award of arbitration. It is almost impossible to find a judge in the United States judicial system who would set aside an award of arbitration. Sterling can file a lawsuit, but he would face a humiliating defeat early in the process. There is no antitrust theory or principle that would help him against Silver and the NBA.

[cartman]

The thread has been Munsoned. Twice. :D

[Blackadar]

Munson: Challenge for Donald Sterling - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10852199/challenge-donald-sterling)

Yeah, and they said the same things about Al Davis.

[sterlingice]

There's no way that 3/4ths of owners will vote to kick him out because they all know that it means they could be next.

SI

[Chief Rum]

There's no way that 3/4ths of owners will vote to kick him out because they all know that it means they could be next.

SI

Would you want to be the owner that votes to not kick him out?

[Ajaxab]

Would you want to be the owner that votes to not kick him out?

If you premise is, like Cuban's, that this is a very slippery slope, then it's something you would want to think very carefully about. What if you happen to say something in private that could be deemed offensive to a majority? Will you then receive the same vote as Sterling and be kicked out? Whatever we make of Cuban's position, I would think it would force owners to think about their potential vote on a deeper level.

[DaddyTorgo]

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has tentatively decided to suspend Clippers owner Donald Sterling INDEFINITELY and impose a multi-million-dollar fine -- but Sterling will NOT be forced to sell the team -- sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ Sports.

We're told the suspension does NOT include members of Sterling's immediate family, but the NBA will have approval rights on who is running the team.

FYI - we'll see how accurate this is. And whether it goes "far enough" for the public.

[nol]

Reports coming out that the punishment is a slap on the wrist - $5 million fine and an indefinite suspension.

[DaddyTorgo]

Be interesting if that's what it is, what the reaction of the players/Doc Rivers/etc. is.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Only following on twitter, but did the NBA actually put together a video package for this? Seems like an odd idea.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Woj reports 2.5 million dollar fine and lifetime ban.

[Ben E Lou]

Lifetime ban.

[Ben E Lou]

Silver says $2.5M is maximum amount allowed under NBA Constitution.

[General Mike]

Wow, banned for life.

[cartman]

The league will look to force the sale of the team.

[DaddyTorgo]

Well TMZ Sports got that wrong, which is nice.

$2.5m is nothing, but a lifetime ban and looking to force the sale of the team is the step that I think a lot of players/fans/etc. were sort of demanding.

Nice to see Silver with an understanding of public opinion.

[Buccaneer]

Still owns the team but can't participate?

[Ben E Lou]

Yeah, I agree with the "who wants to be the owner who votes to keep him around?" Silver's pretty much forcing their hands here.

[sterlingice]

Woj reports 2.5 million dollar fine and lifetime ban.

And, as with most rumors NBA, Woj >>> anyone

SI

[Logan]

I'm not sure what else could have been done in 4 days.

[Logan]

I also don't think this will end up like Steinbrenner...banned for life, and allowed back two years later.

[Lathum]

good job by Silver to be decisive

[nol]

Yeah, I agree with the "who wants to be the owner who votes to keep him around?" Silver's pretty much forcing their hands here.

I'd also bet that he wouldn't have used that language had he not already talked to enough owners to know that getting the necessary number of votes would be a non-issue.

[Ben E Lou]

I'd also bet that he wouldn't have used that language had he not already talked to enough owners to know that getting the necessary number of votes would be a non-issue.That's probably a very good point.

[cartman]

Cuban has come out and said he supports the ruling 100%. He must have gotten some more info to put him at ease with the issue of forcing a sale.

[DaddyTorgo]

Cuban has come out and said he supports the ruling 100%. He must have gotten some more info to put him at ease with the issue of forcing a sale.

Given that literally ten minutes before that he was posting the cover page of the bylaws and saying "they exist for a reason" perhaps his lawyer called his ass and pointed out that nothing done was against the bylaws.

[Ben E Lou]

OK. Silver's very last words in answering the very last question, asking if Sterling could win the 3/4 vote and still profit from the Clippers: "I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners to remove him."

[MrBug708]

Why can't Sterling just turn the team over to his daughter and son in law

[DaddyTorgo]

Why can't Sterling just turn the team over to his daughter and son in law

Probably something whereby if you suspend the owner you're then forced to appoint a new "acting owner" and as such the league has veto over who that is?

[JonInMiddleGA]

{shakes head} Truly unbelievable, but {shrug} I can pretty much believe anything at this point so ... maybe it isn't.

[cartman]

Why can't Sterling just turn the team over to his daughter and son in law

Nothing to say he can't. Silver alluded to that when he said the sanctions are only against Donald Sterling, not his family. Basically at this point he's just a figurehead, with no ability to make front office decisions.

[Logan]

{shakes head} Truly unbelievable, but {shrug} I can pretty much believe anything at this point so ... maybe it isn't.

You going to elaborate on that or should all of us just assume the worst, as expected?

[chadritt]

{shakes head} Truly unbelievable, but {shrug} I can pretty much believe anything at this point so ... maybe it isn't.

Once it became clear the Clippers bottom line, and thus the leagues bottom line, was going to be severely affected you should have expected something like this. Im also personally assuming the other owners had wanted him out for a while and this was just the perfect way to do it.

[Buccaneer]

cartman, you mean like Steinbrenner still calling the shots privately even though he was banned?

[cartman]

cartman, you mean like Steinbrenner still calling the shots privately even though he was banned?

That was a different time. There wasn't the 24 hour wall to wall coverage of sports and sports gossip in 1990 as there is today. It would be much harder to get away with when there is more than just ESPN around. Plus Steinbrenner was allowed to negotiate the ban. It didn't bar him from team facilities, nor from working on big picture deals, like TV contracts and concession deals.

http://www.nytimes.com/1990/08/01/sports/baseball-faced-with-suspension-steinbrenner-sought-an-alternative.html

[BillJasper]

I smell a court fight...

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clippers statement: “We wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision by the NBA and commissioner. Now the healing process begins.”</p>&mdash; Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KBergCBS/statuses/461219292080779264">April 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Clippers Home Page (http://www.nba.com/clippers/one)

Both of these raise the same questions for me... who is running the Clippers at this exact point? Who is the one ok'ing badmouthing the guy who owned the club an hour ago?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Both of these raise the same questions for me... who is running the Clippers at this exact point? Who is the one ok'ing badmouthing the guy who owned the club an hour ago?

That IS a pretty good question.

Maybe it's all been turned over to Sterling's girlfriend.
:D

[nol]

You going to elaborate on that or should all of us just assume the worst, as expected?

You at least have to give him credit for also being opposed to the opposite side of this coin - the NBA's dress code.

[cartman]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Clippers statement: “We wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision by the NBA and commissioner. Now the healing process begins.”</p>&mdash; Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KBergCBS/statuses/461219292080779264">April 29, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Clippers Home Page (http://www.nba.com/clippers/one)

Both of these raise the same questions for me... who is running the Clippers at this exact point? Who is the one ok'ing badmouthing the guy who owned the club an hour ago?

Doc Rivers is probably the one in charge at the moment, since he is the coach and VP of Basketball Operations.

[HomerSimpson98]

Best article I've read that sums up my feelings. And of all people, Kareem (http://time.com/79590/donald-sterling-kareem-abdul-jabbar-racism/) wrote it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

You going to elaborate on that or should all of us just assume the worst, as expected?


{shrug} As you noted, the worst will be assumed regardless, so ...

If the general thought of "I guess Cuban's among the few owners who understands what a Pandora's Box they just opened" fits that worst, have at it.

A broader implied mutter of "thought police are alive & well" might suit that narrative better though, by all means have at it if anyone is so inclined.

[DaddyTorgo]

{shrug} As you noted, the worst will be assumed regardless, so ...

If the general thought of "I guess Cuban's among the few owners who understands what a Pandora's Box they just opened" fits that worst, have at it.

A broader implied mutter of "thought police are alive & well" might suit that narrative better though, by all means have at it if anyone is so inclined.

It's a contract he signed. It's being enforced with broad support (seemingly) from his peers. Isn't that the beauty of the "free market" that you put so much faith in?

[JonInMiddleGA]

It's a contract he signed. It's being enforced with broad support (seemingly) from his peers. Isn't that the beauty of the "free market" that you put so much faith in?

Like I said, "slippery slope" and all that. The free market does require a certain assumption about good judgment & rational thought. Not sure -- for each of the owner's involved -- that is necessarily what's happened here.

But, hey, p.r. trumps pretty much everything in today's world so (as I noted originally) it's not literally unbelievable.

[Suicane75]

"Let the healing process begin". FFS. This whole thing is so stupid.

[BillJasper]

But, hey, p.r. trumps pretty much everything in today's world so (as I noted originally) it's not literally unbelievable.

Of course PR wins out here. The NBA has a huge African-American fanbase. I'm not sure there was a single owner who thought "Let's keep the racist! He's good for our image."

[nol]

The slippery slope argument is so lazy and assumes everyone has no capability for critical thought and nuance.

When you punish a Donald Sterling, you can slip for a long ways down the most slippery slope known to mankind without coming across another real-world example.

[CU Tiger]

I may be in the minority here, but here is my take.

I am perfectly OK with no NBA player signing with the Clippers.
I am ok with draftd FA refusing to sign a rookie contract and even fine if the NBAPA chose to pay those 2 drafted rookies not to play next year out of a NBAPA pool.
I am ok with the Clippers being forced to forfeit every game because no one will sign, or with zero fnas showing up when Sterling goes and signs bums to field a team.
I am fine with people making a choice and financially ruining his investment.
I actually would encourage every one of the above actions.

I am however NOT ok with a collectively bargained Gov't Protected Monopoly being allowed to force him to divest his interest.

While the net result is the same, the process is very different.

Its a reach of an analogy but I am ok with prisoners with terminal illnesses not being given treatment, I am not ok with euthanizing them.

[cartman]

I am however NOT ok with a collectively bargained Gov't Protected Monopoly being allowed to force him to divest his interest.

The NBA doesn't have an anti-trust exemption.

[JonInMiddleGA]

When you punish a Donald Sterling, you can slip for a long ways down the most slippery slope known to mankind without coming across another real-world example.

If you don't believe that the reasoning behind the statement resonated with a very large portion of the population, you're kidding yourself.


*I italicized "reasoning" because only a tiny tiny portion of the population would ever face the exact same circumstances with the exact same stakes. Most folks don't have that kind of money nor media scrutiny.

Joe Conveniencestoreowner or Hashim DryCleaningGuy or Haruto FinancialAdviser could have said the same thing & nobody would have known the difference.

[BillJasper]

I may be in the minority here, but here is my take.

I am perfectly OK with no NBA player signing with the Clippers.
I am ok with draftd FA refusing to sign a rookie contract and even fine if the NBAPA chose to pay those 2 drafted rookies not to play next year out of a NBAPA pool.
I am ok with the Clippers being forced to forfeit every game because no one will sign, or with zero fnas showing up when Sterling goes and signs bums to field a team.
I am fine with people making a choice and financially ruining his investment.
I actually would encourage every one of the above actions.

I am however NOT ok with a collectively bargained Gov't Protected Monopoly being allowed to force him to divest his interest.

While the net result is the same, the process is very different.

Its a reach of an analogy but I am ok with prisoners with terminal illnesses not being given treatment, I am not ok with euthanizing them.

Problem is that while he is destroying his own investment, he would be damaging other teams in the process. The Clippers TV deal would be less, which means other teams share would be decreased. The ticket revenue share for other teams would also be decreased.

I have no problem with the NBA owners forcing Sterling out. Keeping him around damages the entire league, not just the Clippers.

[path12]

There is no slippery slope. There is no thought police. The first amendment protects you from the government prohibiting your free expression, not the NBA or your employer or any other association.

You. Are. Still. Responsible. For. The. Shitty. Racist. Things. You. Say.

[BillJasper]

There is no slippery slope. There is no thought police. The first amendment protects you from the government prohibiting your free expression, not the NBA or your employer or any other association.

You. Are. Still. Responsible. For. The. Shitty. Racist. Things. You. Say.

+1

[DaddyTorgo]

The slippery slope argument is so lazy and assumes everyone has no capability for critical thought and nuance.

When you punish a Donald Sterling, you can slip for a long ways down the most slippery slope known to mankind without coming across another real-world example.

This.

"Slippery slope" is an intellectually lazy argument.

It's a way for someone who disagrees for basically any reason to come out against something without having to make a coherent, logical argument about why they disagree.

[Logan]

{shrug} As you noted, the worst will be assumed regardless, so ...

If the general thought of "I guess Cuban's among the few owners who understands what a Pandora's Box they just opened" fits that worst, have at it.

A broader implied mutter of "thought police are alive & well" might suit that narrative better though, by all means have at it if anyone is so inclined.

And yet Cuban still came out and said he fully supports this decision. So he's abandoned his own shitty "slippery slope" stance. Probably because he finally read the fucking book on what he's part of.

[DaddyTorgo]

There is no slippery slope. There is no thought police. The first amendment protects you from the government prohibiting your free expression, not the NBA or your employer or any other association.

You. Are. Still. Responsible. For. The. Shitty. Racist. Things. You. Say.

Love you.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

The NBA is a HOA and Sterling parked a rotted-out '86 Camero on his lawn.

[molson]

This is definitely the era of the strong and forceful commissioner. I suspect we'll the same in MLB and NHL when Selig and Bettman are put out to pasture.

[DaddyTorgo]

If you don't believe that the reasoning behind the statement resonated with a very large portion of the population, you're kidding yourself.


*I italicized "reasoning" because only a tiny tiny portion of the population would ever face the exact same circumstances with the exact same stakes. Most folks don't have that kind of money nor media scrutiny.

Joe Conveniencestoreowner or Hashim DryCleaningGuy or Haruto FinancialAdviser could have said the same thing & nobody would have known the difference.

Where the fuck is this bizarro"other America" that you live in?? A very large portion of the population is racist? (And yes, to be fair you said "the reasoning behind the statement resonates with a very large portion" - I'm the one that's saying that if that reasoning resonates with a person then I'm lumping them in the "racist" bucket.)

Methinks you need to realize that there's 49 other states out there and not every one (or even all parts of one) are the exact same as the town that you live in or the people that you associate with (be they IRL or online).

[nol]

If you don't believe that the reasoning behind the statement resonated with a very large portion of the population, you're kidding yourself.


*I italicized "reasoning" because only a tiny tiny portion of the population would ever face the exact same circumstances with the exact same stakes. Most folks don't have that kind of money nor media scrutiny.

Joe Conveniencestoreowner or Hashim DryCleaningGuy or Haruto FinancialAdviser could have said the same thing & nobody would have known the difference.

Exactly, people are less OK with allowing someone who has the money/power to affect the economic reality of so many to publicly express those views, especially someone from a group (professional sports owners) whose ability to continue to profit is much more protected by law than a convenience store owner's.

[BillJasper]

The NBA is a HOA and Sterling parked a rotted-out '86 Camero on his lawn.

Pretty much this. :lol:

[Logan]

Quick chronology BTW...

1) "How do we know that is even him in the recordings?"

2) "Slippery slope. Cuban agrees!"

3) "Thought police are alive and well"

What a joke.

[Fidatelo]

Obviously his words were deplorable, but I do find it somewhat disarming that someone can essentially have something he owns outright taken from him because of something he said in private conversation.

[molson]

Obviously his words were deplorable, but I do find it somewhat disarming that someone can essentially have something he owns outright taken from him because of something he said in private conversation.

I understand that gut reaction, but its a very unique and specific ownership situation. More like a collaborative with many other entities, without which, he wouldn't own anything. All the major figures in that collaborative should (and by contract, do) have say regarding how they all behave in their spare time. Edit: These guys probably wouldn't be as willing to put so much money down and to tie their finances and reputations to others without some say in how the members behave, and without some mechanism to cast off somebody who damages them.

[albionmoonlight]

Obviously his words were deplorable, but I do find it somewhat disarming that someone can essentially have something he owns outright taken from him because of something he said in private conversation.

He joined a private organization who will take a vote pursuant to its bylaws to remove him from the organization.

[cartman]

Obviously his words were deplorable, but I do find it somewhat disarming that someone can essentially have something he owns outright taken from him because of something he said in private conversation.

He's not going to lose the proceeds of the sale.

[stevew]

I would imagine the next step is for Rochelle Sterling to file for divorce? Surely her community property rights to 50% of the team would preempt the league forcing a sale? The Sterling's aren't just going to magically go away here.

[Chief Rum]

Why is everyone okay with doing things that hurt the Clippers organization, players and fans, as opposed to hurting Sterling himself? It is my opinion that anyone advocating for basketball-related punsihments to be given to the Clippers either doesn't know or doesn't care that the only ones they are hurting are the fans of the Clippers (i.e. me). And at worst, they have an agenda, because they want Chris Paul on the Lakers or Blake Griffin on the Knicks or Bulls, etc.

The NBA did exactly the right thing to do in punishing Sterling himself.

[Noop]

I find it surprising the Sterling did not use the N-word throughout that whole conversation. Not that it makes a different but surprising.

I think Sterling is a racist POS who got exactly what he deserved. However, I think he should have gotten this for the whole housing debacle.

[cartman]

Why is everyone okay with doing things that hurt the Clippers organization, players and fans, as opposed to hurting Sterling himself? It is my opinion that anyone advocating for basketball-related punsihments to be given to the Clippers either doesn't know or doesn't care that the only ones they are hurting are the fans of the Clippers (i.e. me). And at worst, they have an agenda, because they want Chris Paul on the Lakers or Blake Griffin on the Knicks or Bulls, etc.

The NBA did exactly the right thing to do in punishing Sterling himself.

Eh? "everyone"? I don't hear anyone calling for punishment against the Clippers organization.

[Chief Rum]

Without the NBA, the Clippers have no value. The organization derives its value from being part of a league and sharing in that league's prosperity. And the NBA controls the Clippers' membership in that organization, as an entity with the right to choose its membership.

So even though the NBA can't force a sale per say, they can make the value of the organization zero, push comes to shove. Sterling faces receiving market value for his team or holding onto an investment with no value.

[sterlingice]

The NBA is a HOA and Sterling parked a rotted-out '86 Camero on his lawn.

I LOL'd :D

SI

[claphamsa]

wonder how long till someone get boxed because of this thread...

[Chief Rum]

Eh? "everyone"? I don't hear anyone calling for punishment against the Clippers organization.

There have been posts in this thread advocating basketball punishments, and I have read several articles advocating it and heard a number of opinions expressed on radio and seen on TV to this affect as well. "Everyone" is clearly a massive generalization, but this is a very real (and stupid) sentiment.

[cartman]

I haven't heard any of those expressed since Silver made his announcement.

[Noop]

wonder how long till someone get boxed because of this thread...

You planning on making a bid?

http://i.imgur.com/V3ES1bD.png

[chadritt]

Methinks you need to realize that there's 49 other states out there and not every one (or even all parts of one) are the exact same as the town that you live in or the people that you associate with (be they IRL or online).

Hey hey hey....dont lump all of us Georgians in with him.

[Zinto]

I wonder if Sterling was recorded making homophobic statements what his punishment would have looked like. I know we aren't there as a society yet but I there would have been a lot of backlash for those comments too.

[Noop]

http://i.imgur.com/zqhGPCl.png

[SirFozzie]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 1h
On ownership super majority needed to vote Sterling out, one Board of Governor tells Yahoo: "Adam has the votes - all of them, I believe.

[Subby]

He joined a private organization who will take a vote pursuant to its bylaws to remove him from the organization.
Exactly. He's bad for business. This isn't the government coming in and taking Joe Hardhat's hardware store because of something he said in private.

[DaddyTorgo]

Adrian Wojnarowski ‏@WojYahooNBA 1h
On ownership super majority needed to vote Sterling out, one Board of Governor tells Yahoo: "Adam has the votes - all of them, I believe.

:D

[Chief Rum]

I haven't heard any of those expressed since Silver made his announcement.

Did you see a time frame attached to my statement? ;)

[molson]

I wonder if Sterling was recorded making homophobic statements what his punishment would have looked like. I know we aren't there as a society yet but I there would have been a lot of backlash for those comments too.

I think homophobic statements have passed sexist statements as far as societal backlash.

[SirFozzie]

Two things:

One: Donald Sterling says "The Clippers are not for sale"

Donald Sterling Told Fox News and Jim Gray The Clippers Are “Not For Sale” | The Big Lead (http://thebiglead.com/2014/04/29/donald-sterling-told-fox-news-and-jim-gray-the-clippers-are-not-for-sale/)

And the NBA tends to disagree

Zach Lowe ‏@ZachLowe_NBA 1h
League sources say Silver/league, not Sterling, would control Clips sales process in event Silver gets the required 3/4 vote to force it.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

The Jim Gray stuff was pre-announcement.

[Zinto]

I think homophobic statements have passed sexist statements as far as societal backlash.


I completely agree. If he had went on a sexiest rant I doubt this is a story at all. Which is sad.

[MylesKnight]

This guy certainly is a bonafide A$$hat, but what about freedom of speech? This was a conversation between an old jerk and his leech of a ladyfriend, recorded without his awareness, and then given to a media outlet to broadcast at will.

Unless your words are effecting the physical well-being of others, you should be able to say whatever you wish. The words may make you look like a biggot or a racist, but everyone in this country should have the right to speak however they choose to.

This was a business decision by the League, nothing more. Maybe this guy should buy a lacrosse franchise or something... He'd feel more comfortable with the general color of the people around him.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Quick chronology BTW...

1) "How do we know that is even him in the recordings?"

2) "Slippery slope. Cuban agrees!"

3) "Thought police are alive and well"

What a joke.

Just for the record, I'll own the last two.

The first one I can't take credit for, that was purely repeating something I read in the very first article I saw on the subject. I was literally throwing it out there because at that point I hadn't heard it addressed beyond the suggestion of it.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

This guy certainly is a bonafide A$$hat, but what about freedom of speech?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BmagJDxCAAAsmDP.png

[Subby]

This guy certainly is a bonafide A$$hat, but what about freedom of speech? This was a conversation between an old jerk and his leech of a ladyfriend, recorded without his awareness, and then given to a media outlet to broadcast at will.

Unless your words are effecting the physical well-being of others, you should be able to say whatever you wish. The words may make you look like a biggot or a racist, but everyone in this country should have the right to speak however they choose to.

This was a business decision by the League, nothing more. Maybe this guy should buy a lacrosse franchise or something... He'd feel more comfortable with the general color of the people around him.

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/free_speech.png

[Subby]

Heh. Ronnie Dobbs knows whats up. ;)

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

lol

it's a shame that image has to be trotted out again and again

[nol]

I completely agree. If he had went on a sexiest rant I doubt this is a story at all. Which is sad.

What if he went on the sexiest rant? Things might get too hot to handle.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This guy certainly is a bonafide A$$hat, but what about freedom of speech? This was a conversation between an old jerk and his leech of a ladyfriend, recorded without his awareness, and then given to a media outlet to broadcast at will.

Unless your words are effecting the physical well-being of others, you should be able to say whatever you wish. The words may make you look like a biggot or a racist, but everyone in this country should have the right to speak however they choose to.

And he most certainly has the right to speak however he chooses. He isn't being arrested. He's not going to jail. The government has and will not do a thing to him for anything he's said.

The NBA, however, is a business. And a business is not the government. They can have their own rules about how their partners/employees, or what have you, have to behave. If a business believes one of its partners is acting in a way detrimental to it, that business can take action. Sterling signed up to this. It's in the NBA's bylaws.

[molson]

Great, now I'm imagining Donald Sterling going on a sexy rant.

[Radii]

This guy certainly is a bonafide A$$hat, but what about freedom of speech? This was a conversation between an old jerk and his leech of a ladyfriend, recorded without his awareness, and then given to a media outlet to broadcast at will.

Unless your words are effecting the physical well-being of others, you should be able to say whatever you wish. The words may make you look like a biggot or a racist, but everyone in this country should have the right to speak however they choose to.


No one is arresting the man. He has every right to say whatever he wants and to feel whatever he wants. This is simply a case of actions having consequences, no freedoms are at risk anywhere on any side.

[DaddyTorgo]

This guy certainly is a bonafide A$$hat, but what about freedom of speech? This was a conversation between an old jerk and his leech of a ladyfriend, recorded without his awareness, and then given to a media outlet to broadcast at will.

Unless your words are effecting the physical well-being of others, you should be able to say whatever you wish. The words may make you look like a biggot or a racist, but everyone in this country should have the right to speak however they choose to.

This was a business decision by the League, nothing more. Maybe this guy should buy a lacrosse franchise or something... He'd feel more comfortable with the general color of the people around him.

Actually I believe she told him she was recording it, per what I've read.

Others have already beaten you up about the "freedom of speech" bit so I won't pile on that.

[MylesKnight]

Btw, I thought Joan Rivers joke about the Cleveland Three was quite humorous.

Do you believe this guy should be forced from his position for his words? His team can be boycotted, picketed, or whatever else while he owns it, but should he be forcibly removed from his position for his words?

Mark Cuban's points were valid, imho.

[Chief Rum]

Sterling is a racist POS, but he's not stupid. Why would he say that stuff on tape? Not saying I buy it one way or another or know the truth, but that just seems weird.

[chadritt]

Do you believe this guy should be forced from his position for his words? His team can be boycotted, picketed, or whatever else while he owns it, but should he be forcibly removed from his position for his words?


I thought he should have been for all the other stuff hes done....but yeah, if hes about to tank their bottom line I think the other board members/owners have a right to try and prevent that.

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Do you believe this guy should be forced from his position for his words? His team can be boycotted, picketed, or whatever else while he owns it, but should he be forcibly removed from his position for his words?


Were you an NBA owner with a billion dollar property, would you want this guy potentially affecting the value of your team?

[Noop]

Btw, I thought Joan Rivers joke about the Cleveland Three was quite humorous.

Do you believe this guy should be forced from his position for his words? His team can be boycotted, picketed, or whatever else while he owns it, but should he be forcibly removed from his position for his words?

Mark Cuban's points were valid, imho.

http://cdn3.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/827226463.gif

[Chief Rum]

Btw, I thought Joan Rivers joke about the Cleveland Three was quite humorous.

Do you believe this guy should be forced from his position for his words? His team can be boycotted, picketed, or whatever else while he owns it, but should he be forcibly removed from his position for his words?

Mark Cuban's points were valid, imho.

I believe that the NBA has the right to run its business how it sees fit, and it doesn't matter what we think, beyond our own choice whether or not to spend money and time on the NBA product.

The NBA believes that Sterling's presence affects the viability of their product (a stance I agree with). They have the right to punish owners in extreme situations (apparently), by the terms of their bylaws, and to select or deselect the members of their organization. They are a for-profit organization, not a government.

Whether I believe he should be forcibly removed from his position for his words is irrelevant.

[MylesKnight]

Oh, if he was affecting my pocketbook, of course I'd want him gone, but it is the basic question of should someone be forcibly removed from a position of power for his words? He didn't break any laws or threaten any other person's physical safety.

The comic strip given earlier didn't mention this specifically (good stuff though).

[DaddyTorgo]

Btw, I thought Joan Rivers joke about the Cleveland Three was quite humorous.



Why am I not surprised?

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

should someone be forcibly removed from a position of power for his words

Happens all the time in politics, just off the top of my head.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I am sure this has been addressed somewhere, but I know that in some states, it's perfectly legal to record a conversation that you're a part of. If the other party, or parties, aren't aware, that doesn't matter.

[Chief Rum]

Oh, if he was affecting my pocketbook, of course I'd want him gone, but it is the basic question of should someone be forcibly removed from a position of power for his words? He didn't break any laws or threaten any other person's physical safety.

The comic strip given earlier didn't mention this specifically (good stuff though).

Power held by a person or entity is only power so long as the source from which that power is derived desires to vest that power therein.

Sterling's power came from being a member of the NBA. That organization no longer wants him to have that power. And that is its right.

Same with political power. A politician in the USA anyway, will only remain in power as long as the constituents desire him to be there, give or take an election or impeachment or recall or two.

[chadritt]

Happens all the time in politics, just off the top of my head.

Happens in pretty much any public field. If he was the host of a TV show there would be talks of him losing that job.

[DaddyTorgo]

Oh, if he was affecting my pocketbook, of course I'd want him gone, but it is the basic question of should someone be forcibly removed from a position of power for his words? He didn't break any laws or threaten any other person's physical safety.

The comic strip given earlier didn't mention this specifically (good stuff though).

HE'S AFFECTING THE POCKETBOOKS OF THE OTHER OWNERS OF THE LEAGUE. They have the right (whether we like it or not) to remove him from their "club" by a simple vote. And it sounds like they may be unanimous in that desire.

So frankly the "basic question" is irrelevant, and based upon what else you find funny I'm guessing is just your attempt to troll, or perhaps to subtlety express your agreement with Sterling.

[SteveMax58]

Oh, if he was affecting my pocketbook, of course I'd want him gone, but it is the basic question of should someone be forcibly removed from a position of power for his words? He didn't break any laws or threaten any other person's physical safety.

The comic strip given earlier didn't mention this specifically (good stuff though).
He joined a club (the NBA owner's club, if you will), and by doing that, agreed to terms that allow the other members of the club to vote him out.

Its as simple as that really.

[chadritt]

I am sure this has been addressed somewhere, but I know that in some states, it's perfectly legal to record a conversation that you're a part of. If the other party, or parties, aren't aware, that doesn't matter.

I believe California, at least as of 2003, required that they be aware they were being recorded. They definitely did for broadcast purposes...yes this came up for a job so I have a CD of the warning lying around somewhere.

[MylesKnight]

Why am I not surprised?

Comedy is comedy... Jim Norton, Patrice O'Neal, Jim Florentine, Louis CK, and on and on....

And speaking of this, kudos to Joan Rivers for defending herself. She isn't going to bow down to the PC Society that this place has for the most part turned into over the last decade plus.

[MacroGuru]

From the Utah Jazz FB

“On behalf of the Miller family, we support the decisive action by Commissioner Silver and the NBA to reaffirm that there is no place for racism and hatred in our league. The Jazz organization and all the teams in the NBA should act as national leaders in promoting inclusiveness and diversity. We have a responsibility in our communities to fight against discrimination and ignorance and showcase sports as an example of respect and tolerance. While this situation has been inexcusable, I hope it serves the greater purpose of reinforcing our vigilance against this type of behavior.”

--Statement from Greg Miller, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies which owns the Utah Jazz, following the NBA’s press conference with Commissioner Adam Silver on April 29 regarding Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

[Noop]

HE'S AFFECTING THE POCKETBOOKS OF THE OTHER OWNERS OF THE LEAGUE. They have the right (whether we like it or not) to remove him from their "club" by a simple vote. And it sounds like they may be unanimous in that desire.

So frankly the "basic question" is irrelevant, and based upon what else you find funny I'm guessing is just your attempt to troll, or perhaps to subtlety express your agreement with Sterling.

http://i.imgur.com/9I0q0QP.png

[DaddyTorgo]

A NOOP SIGHTING!!!

This thread just got blessed y'all!

[MylesKnight]

Oh, and DaddyTorgo, not trolling whatsoever My Friend. I just have an opinion that differs slightly from the mainstream posts on this particular subject at FOFC.

Donald Sterling is an old racist, who will more than likely die a rich but miserable old man.

[Blackadar]

I will be surprised if Sterling goes quietly into that good night and sells the team without a fight. For all the "the NBA has the right to run their business as they see fit" crap, they don't. Don't try to insist otherwise, it's factually incorrect.

It's very questionable that Sterling broke enough of the bylaws to justify the team being sold without his permission. They're going to have a huge reach trying to prove that Sterling failed to meet a "contractual obligation" by making a shitty comment on ostensibly a private phone call. Furthermore, a suit by Sterling would also air dirty laundry regarding other owners and that's something the NBA does not want. The NBA does not have an anti-trust exemption and Silver's power is fairly limited. If Sterling files suit because they try to force him to sell the team, my money is on him to win.

Now might Donald say "fuck it", take the billion dollars that will likely be offered and laugh all the way to the bank (he bought the team in the 80s for $12m)? Possibly. But he's also made it a point to thumb his nose at the rest of the NBA, running cheap laughingstock teams while pocketing big cash all along. He very well may decide to fight just because he can. And he stands a fair chance at winning while embarrass the NBA in the process. So I think we'll see some hand wringing and a lot of behind the scenes cajoling, but I doubt we will ever see an official vote by the other NBA owners on whether to expel Sterling.

[CU Tiger]

The NBA is a HOA and Sterling parked a rotted-out '86 Camero on his lawn.


So instead of forcing Sterling to move the Camaro they force him to move out of the neighborhood?

And you are ok with that?

[SirFozzie]

I'd love to hear how you'd get them to "move the Camaro", (you know, being a lifetime racist).

[Logan]

I will be surprised if Sterling goes quietly into that good night and sells the team without a fight. For all the "the NBA has the right to run their business as they see fit" crap, they don't. Don't try to insist otherwise, it's factually incorrect.

No. They have the right to run their business "as their by-laws allow". And every indication from Silver and the other 29 owners seems to indicate that this is allowed.

BTW, your other qualifications like "shitty comment on a private phone call" makes it sound like you're another one just looking for excuses for the dipshit.

[Noop]

A NOOP SIGHTING!!!

This thread just got blessed y'all!

http://i.imgur.com/xXrK8EQ.png

I see you playa!

[DaddyTorgo]

I will be surprised if Sterling goes quietly into that good night and sells the team without a fight. For all the "the NBA has the right to run their business as they see fit" crap, they don't. Don't try to insist otherwise, it's factually incorrect.

It's very questionable that Sterling broke enough of the bylaws to justify the team being sold without his permission. They're going to have a huge reach trying to prove that Sterling failed to meet a "contractual obligation" by making a shitty comment on ostensibly a private phone call. Furthermore, a suit by Sterling would also air dirty laundry regarding other owners and that's something the NBA does not want. The NBA does not have an anti-trust exemption and Silver's power is fairly limited. If Sterling files suit because they try to force him to sell the team, my money is on him to win.

Now might Donald say "fuck it", take the billion dollars that will likely be offered and laugh all the way to the bank (he bought the team in the 80s for $12m)? Possibly. But he's also made it a point to thumb his nose at the rest of the NBA, running cheap laughingstock teams while pocketing big cash all along. He very well may decide to fight just because he can. And he stands a fair chance at winning while embarrass the NBA in the process. So I think we'll see some hand wringing and a lot of behind the scenes cajoling, but I doubt we will ever see an official vote by the other NBA owners on whether to expel Sterling.

This was covered above. The Commissioner's decisions have effectively the same power as an arbitrator's, and all the owners agreed to that. Courts don't overturn arbitrator's rulings essentially ever.

[DaddyTorgo]

http://i.imgur.com/xXrK8EQ.png

I see you playa!

We miss you Noop. :(

[Noop]

I will be surprised if Sterling goes quietly into that good night and sells the team without a fight. For all the "the NBA has the right to run their business as they see fit" crap, they don't. Don't try to insist otherwise, it's factually incorrect.

It's very questionable that Sterling broke enough of the bylaws to justify the team being sold without his permission. They're going to have a huge reach trying to prove that Sterling failed to meet a "contractual obligation" by making a shitty comment on ostensibly a private phone call. Furthermore, a suit by Sterling would also air dirty laundry regarding other owners and that's something the NBA does not want. The NBA does not have an anti-trust exemption and Silver's power is fairly limited. If Sterling files suit because they try to force him to sell the team, my money is on him to win.

Now might Donald say "fuck it", take the billion dollars that will likely be offered and laugh all the way to the bank (he bought the team in the 80s for $12m)? Possibly. But he's also made it a point to thumb his nose at the rest of the NBA, running cheap laughingstock teams while pocketing big cash all along. He very well may decide to fight just because he can. And he stands a fair chance at winning while embarrass the NBA in the process. So I think we'll see some hand wringing and a lot of behind the scenes cajoling, but I doubt we will ever see an official vote by the other NBA owners on whether to expel Sterling.

http://i.imgur.com/UQVd1BE.png

I'd love to hear how the NBA a privately run business cannot decide among its 29 other equal partners to expel someone from their group.

[MylesKnight]

Blackadar is right in stating the Donald Sterling is crazy enough not to just take the billion dollars and drift away. He may fight this thing out of spite...

[Honolulu_Blue]

I will be surprised if Sterling goes quietly into that good night and sells the team without a fight. For all the "the NBA has the right to run their business as they see fit" crap, they don't. Don't try to insist otherwise, it's factually incorrect.

It's very questionable that Sterling broke enough of the bylaws to justify the team being sold without his permission.

I am not sure it is factually incorrect.

Also, I don't think the NBA is forcing Sterling to sell the team without his permission. I thought they just fined him $2.5 million and instituted a lifetime ban. I thought the ban meant he can still own the team, he just can't have anything to do with it. I believe that's within the NBA's contractual powers.

Now, by all accounts the dude is pretty litiguous, so he may, indeed, try to fight something.

[Solecismic]

There's a responsibility that accompanies ownership of a sports franchise.

[SirFozzie]

they also indicated they are going to convene a Board of Governors meeting to terminate Sterling's franchise rights (in short, if 3/4ths of the league owners agree, the league would take control of the league from Sterling to sell)