In the midst of one of the best opening rounds in NBA playoff history, this weekend was marred by the alleged cruel words of shamed Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
There isn’t much use in rehashing Sterling’s comments, but if you have not read the coverage and are trying to play catch up you can find them here.
While this put a serious black mark on a weekend set up for marvelous basketball — which we still did get, by the way — we have seen a resounding response from NBA officials, coaches, players and fans, who have united together to fight the negative sentiment voiced by Sterling.
We saw it first on Saturday night when newly appointed NBA commissioner Adam Silver vowed to move as quickly as possible in resolving this issue, clearly stating that there is no place for it in the NBA.
“There’s no room for Donald Sterling in the NBA — there is no room for him,” the Heat forward said Saturday night before a playoff game against theCharlotte Bobcats.
Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis was also in agreement, which was great to see another owner speaking out against one of his peers:
As I have stated, there should be zero tolerance for hatemongering.
Hate speech demonstrates an ignorance that is unacceptable, and I implore all of us to help eliminate any form of discrimination.
I have full confidence that Commissioner Silver will conduct a thorough investigation and act accordingly upon his findings.
Leonsis did not shy away from the spotlight, either. On Sunday he was spotted at the Wizards-Bulls Game 4 sporting a Nene jersey who was suspended for the game for fighting in Game 3. This is the type of ownership that will get the NBA through this mess.
You want a classy owner #Wizards fans…we’ve got one #DoItForNene pic.twitter.com/PNvLgWPmHj
— Hoop District (@HoopDistrictDC) April 27, 2014
It is a bit strange to see Leonsis become the first owner to speak out forcefully on this issue.
Maybe we just have been spoiled by @MCuban, whose comments on this issue have been somewhat restrained.
To be clear,I abhor all forms of racism or any discrimination. Ths issue shouldnt be about talking heads, it should be about substance only.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 28, 2014
I dont expect anyone to come out and say they support a racist. This should be about racism in America, not a talking head procession.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 28, 2014
And if you are in the media and want me to come on and explain my thoughts and position on these issues…. GTFOH = No.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 28, 2014
And if you are in the media and want me to come on and explain my thoughts and position on these issues…. GTFOH = No.
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) April 28, 2014