SH Blog: Donald Sterling (allegedly) caught on tape making racist remarks

 

CLIPPERS OWNER DONALD STERLING DOESN’T WANT HIS GIRLFRIEND BRINGING BLACK PEOPLE TO HIS GAMES

Okay then. Here’s the original TMZ story, where you can listen to the full audio (it’s about nine and a half minutes long). Sterling certainly doesn’t come across well.

Here’s an excerpt:

TMZ Sports has obtained audio of Sterling making the racist declaration during a heated argument on April 9th with V. Stiviano … after she posted a photo on Instagram posing with Magic.

Sterling rails on Stiviano — who ironically is black and Mexican — for putting herself out in public with a black person (she has since taken the pic down).  But it doesn’t end there.  You have to listen to the audio to fully grasp the magnitude of Sterling’s racist worldview. Among the comments:

— “It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?” (3:30)

— “You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want.  The little I ask you is not to promote it on that … and not to bring them to my games.” (5:15)

— “I’m just saying, in your lousy f******* Instagrams, you don’t have to have yourself with, walking with black people.” (7:45)

— “…Don’t put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me.  And don’t bring him to my games.” (9:13)

There have been a lot of responses to Sterling’s comments. None from the Clippers, and the NBA hasn’t come out with an official response yet (Adam Silver will have a press conference at 8:30 on NBA TV), but DeAndre Jordan posted this on his Instagram, which is a tremendous subtle response. TMZ rounds up reactions from others, including Snoop Dogg, Dominique Wilkins, and Al Sharpton, so click that link up there if you’re interested in those.

D’ANTONI WILL BE BACK FOR A THIRD SEASON

First, from Sheridan Hoops contributor Mark Heisler, with the Orange County Register:

The Lakers have yet to inform D’Antoni of anything, but they intend to keep him, absolving him of blame for the 27-55 finish without Bryant and Steve Nash for 141 of a possible 162 games.

Nor are they discomfited by Gasol’s announcement on his website. (“I’ve never concealed the fact that D’Antoni’s style doesn’t suit my game. … I don’t know if my decision will be swayed by whether Mike stays or leaves. Obviously, the coach is a very important factor for any team.”) Jeanie Buss, who noted recently, “I’m the boss,” is continuing her preference to leave basketball decisions to the basketball people.

Jim is aligned with GM Mitch Kupchak, a steadfast D’Antoni defender emerging as an ever-stronger figure with a multi-year extension in the wake of their misadventures.

Despite local anguish about leadership, the Lakers have a plan. It’s just not one that anyone likes … starting with Bryant, who must have thought more was possible when he signed that two-year, $48.5 million extension … which may have served as a wake-up call for Jeanie and Jim, who did it, to return direction to the professionals.

Next, from Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com:

During conversations with the Los Angeles Lakers over the past 10 days, embattled coach Mike D’Antoni has asked them to pick up the team option on the fourth year of his current contract, sources with knowledge of the situation told ESPN.com.

The motivation for D’Antoni’s request is rooted in his desire for the authority to coach and ensure he won’t enter next season as a lame duck whose job security is undermined by constant speculation about his future, the sources said.

The Lakers and D’Antoni have yet to formally meet since exit meetings after the season, and sources insist no formal decision on his future has been made.

The Orange County Register reported late Friday night on its website that the Lakers had decided to retain D’Antoni for next season, noting that he has yet to be informed of the club’s decision.

D’Antoni has grown frustrated with the pace of the process, believing each day that his status remains unresolved further hampers his ability to successfully perform the job next season, if he is retained.

NENE SUSPENDED; CAN WIZARDS MATCH BULLS’ TOUGHNESS?

Jason Reid of the Washington Post:

With 8 minutes 28 seconds remaining in the fourth, Nene scuffled with Jimmy Butler, received two technical fouls and was tossed. When Nene headed to the locker room, the Wizards trailed, 78-76.

The buzz in the arena was still strong. After all, the Wizards had overcome double-digit deficits in their two victories at Chicago’s United Center. The Wizards briefly reclaimed the lead in the final few minutes Friday, but the Bulls closed better this time.

The Bulls are comfortable playing textbook basketball or wrestling. The physical play in the series escalated in Game 2 and continued Friday. Nene has been pounded. It’s not surprising he got frustrated and mixed it up with Butler. Nene agrees.

“Things get hot,” he said.

Problem is, the Bulls got the reaction they wanted. Nene is vital to the Wizards’ success. He’s the only player capable of helping John Wall and backup point guard Andre Miller direct the offense in the half-court game. When Nene left the court, the Bulls knew the Wizards were in trouble. “It definitely was a bonus for us to have him out of the game,” center Joakim Noah.

The Wizards knew, too.