The LIFE of Donald Sterling and the Los Angeles Clippers

"Private" Remarks

For many NBA fans, Donald Sterling’s infamous rant about the African American community was the first time they heard his name mentioned.  As with most information I hear about via social media outlets, I was very skeptical of what I heard about the comments Sterling allegedly made to his girlfriend.  I seriously thought that nobody could be dumb enough to be recorded saying blatantly racist statements.  I felt that way until I listened to nearly nine minutes of an audio recording between Sterling and his girlfriend.  After listening to his remarks, I was not overly surprised.  I would imagine that he is one of many people who make racially insensitive comments in “private” places.  In this case, his remarks were recorded, and mysteriously leaked to the media by an unknown person.  I am glad that the NBA’s new Commissioner, Adam Silver, decided to ban him for life and also fine him $2.5 million.  Silver exercised the most punitive method afforded to him by the NBA’s Constitution to punish Sterling.  During Silver’s press conference, he mentioned that, according to the NBA’s Constitution, the owners can come together to force Sterling to sell the Los Angeles Clippers franchise.

Decisions, Decisions

Let’s be clear—Silver’s move had to be made.  We live in an era where stories are instantly shared to millions of people.  The audio recording of Sterling’s comments was clear and there was little doubt in anyone’s mind that he made the comments.  An even more telling factor in this analysis was the simple fact that Sterling never made a public statement denying that he made the comments.  This lack of action sent a clear message to me that he made the comments and that he does not have one remorseful bone in his body.  The NBA brand is a multi-billion dollar, international brand that is dependent upon each player, owner and employee of the NBA franchises to continue building the NBA brand.  Each NBA franchise is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.  To put things into perspective, we will examine the net worth of a few NBA franchises.  The San Antonio Spurs are the 10^th most valuable franchise and has a current value of $660 million.  The New York Knicks are the most valuable franchise and has a current value of $1.4 billion. 

The Los Angeles Clippers Franchise is worth $575 million.  That net worth does not include intangible things that add value to the franchise.  These intangible things include good will, and being a good corporate citizen.  In order to be a good corporate citizen, an organization cannot have a leader who is involved in deplorable behavior.  Before the allegations regarding Sterling’s comments were confirmed, multiple corporate sponsors of the Los Angeles Clippers temporarily severed ties with the franchise.  Imagine if the players decided not to play a game (which is exactly what the plan was if Silver did not handle the situation in a swift manner), or if some interest group organized a rally at the Staples Center (which was also in the works)?  Imagine the backlash and possible irreparable damage done to the Clippers franchise and most importantly—the NBA brand.  Imagine the lost profits surely to be incurred by the Clippers and again—the NBA. If Adam Silver did not act swiftly and with every ounce of authority afforded to him as the Commissioner, the NBA was set to lose millions of dollars.

A History of Egregious Behavior

Donald Sterling has a history riddled with accusations of racist remarks, practices and ideology.  In 2003, Sterling was sued for housing discrimination.  Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that Sterling refused to rent apartments to African Americans.  This lawsuit followed another civil action where Sterling was accused of forcing African American and Hispanic tenants to leave rental property he owned in Los Angeles.  In 2009, he was ordered to pay a $2.725 million settlement for another housing discrimination case.   That same year, Hall of Fame player, Elgin Baylor, filed a lawsuit against Sterling alleging many years of racist behavior by him.  These examples are but a few in the long history of accusations of Sterling’s racially insensitive behavior.  

If the NBA was aware of his racist behavior during his tenure as an owner, why had he never been banned, sanctioned or suspended before this incident?  Although factually different, this case is analogous to the unfortunate sexual abuse allegations at Penn State University a few years ago.  In both cases, a powerful man was allowed to either exhibit or fail to report deplorable behavior over the course of many years.  When an institution allows egregious behavior from high-ranking officials, it creates an environment where secrets are swept under the rug.  The behavior is no longer seen as bad, but rather, “just the way things are done.”  It creates an environment where men are allowed to create their own rules.  It seems to me that Sterling knew he was not in any real danger because he has enough money to pay his way out of trouble.  It seems reasonable that he would have that belief because he displayed that kind of deplorable behavior for over thirty years with little consequences.  However, he began believing in his own legend and ability to evade serious trouble a little too much and that is what led to his demise.

What Next?

So what does Adam Silver’s decision mean for NBA fans, players and coaches?  To the fans, I think his decision shows that, although only in his 88^th day on the job, he is more than capable of making well-reasoned, tough decisions for the betterment of the NBA.  For NBA players, this decision shows them that blatant, racist behavior will not be tolerated in the NBA.  Does that mean that individual or institutionalized racism has been eradicated from the NBA?  No.  But, at least the players can rest assured that overt racism will not be tolerated and that is a step in the right direction.  As for the coaches, this decision should serve as a warning that certain behavior will not be tolerated.  Nothing humbles a person and screams, “you are expendable” quite like seeing your immediate boss get the axe.

So what happens to Sterling?  Will he fade to black as many of us hope he will do?  The answers to these questioned are undetermined at the moment.  However, if his record of defiance and blatant disregard for the Rule of Law are any indication, he almost certainly will not fade to black.  Even if the NBA owners vote to oust him as an owner that does not mean that he will not have other avenues of recourse.  He could pursue an antitrust lawsuit against the NBA and its owners.  Unfortunately, we will likely be hearing Sterling’s name mentioned for quite some time.  At least we will not have to see his face though, as his he has been banned from the NBA for LIFE.

Peace