View Full Version : The Elephant in the room- LA Clippers Owner BANNED for life, fined maximum
I'm sure some of you know about the decision that came down today from NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver, in regards to L.A. Clippers owner, Donald Sterling and his racist remarks. I figured this is a pretty interesting topic to discuss, considering the implications involved. First, the punishment:
The NBA banned Donald Sterling for life Tuesday, in addition to slapping the Los Angeles Clippers owner with a $2.5 million fine, the NBA commissioner announced during a press conference.“I am banning Mr. Sterling for life,” commissioner Adam Silver said, noting that the Clippers owner will be prohibited from attending any games or practices.
Silver added that he will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force a sale of the team.
Sterling, who has owned the basketball franchise for nearly three decades, had been under investigation by the NBA for alleged comments (http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/04/26/disturbing-and-offensive-l-a-clippers-owner-allegedly-caught-on-audio-in-a-racist-tirade/) where he repeatedly asks his girlfriend why she associates with minorities and instructs her “not to bring [black people] to my games.”
“It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?” Sterling said in a recorded conversation with his girlfriend V. Stiviano, who is both black and Mexican.
Silver confirmed during Tuesday’s press conference that the voice on the recordings is Sterling’s.
The NBA said that the money collected form the $2.5 million fine will be donated to organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination efforts.
Over the weekend, President Barack Obama described the comments (http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/04/27/obama-responds-to-incredibly-offensive-racist-statements-allegedly-made-by-clippers-owner/) as “incredibly offensive racist statements.”
“When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don’t really have to do anything, you just let them talk. That’s what happened here,” Obama said.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/04/29/report-nba-suspends-l-a-clippers-owner-indefinitely-issues-multimillion-fine/
Okay, so what's the big deal, right? Well, IMHO, this is all a bit harsh, rash and completely overblown. The guy owns an NBA team, he said these statements, supposedly, in private to his girlfriend, and much like the whole fiasco involving the Mozilla CEO, this is another case of different opinions being punished. I am in no way defending his statements, and think he should enjoy a nice bit of long-term financial losses for stating them, but not like this. Being banned from attending any games or practices of the team that he owns? Being fined for something he said? Urging him to sell his team? I don't have any sympathy for the man- he has a history of supporting democratic party candidates for one- but something just doesn't sit right with me in these attempts to force him out just because he doesn't like black people (which is incredibly confusing considering the NBA is a black dominated sport). I anticipate Sterling will be engaging in a lawsuit against the NBA and Adam Silver... and I anticipate that while people dislike what he said, he probably has merit to win said lawsuit because it does seem like this punishment is too extreme and also unjust. Although, I'm not sure, I know players have it stipulated in their contracts certain things they can and cannot do, and can be subject to fines and punishment for their actions on and off the court, but do owners enter into a binding contract that dictates if they can be punished for their actions/words?
Note- I did not mention anything about his First Amendment Rights, because the 1A limits government, not private organizations like the NBA... BUT, I do see what's happened here as similarly "wrong" as if it were the US Government arresting/fining him for what he said, simply on principle. Also, a lot of current and former NBA players are speaking out against Sterling, but the worst is Larry Johnson calling for a "Blacks Only" League... It feels like racism is actually being pushed to not die by many in this country.
Discuss... but for the mods' sake, keep it clean, sane, logical, and try not to get too emotional about it (O2Hen, looking at you... [LOL] )
HoneyBadger
04-29-2014, 20:40
IBTL. That is all.
BPTactical
04-29-2014, 20:42
Moral outrage is exhausting. And dangerous. The whole country has gotten a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome from the newest popular sport of Extreme Finger Wagging. Not to mention the neck strain from Olympic tryouts for Morally Superior Head Shaking.
Shouldn't we be equally angered by the fact that his private, intimate conversation was taped and then leaked to the media? Didn't we just call to task the NSA for intruding into American citizen's privacy in such an un-American way? Although the impact is similar to Mitt Romney's comments that were secretly taped, the difference is that Romney was giving a public speech. The making and release of this tape is so sleazy that just listening to it makes me feel like an accomplice to the crime. We didn't steal the cake but we're all gorging ourselves on it
http://reason.com/blog/2014/04/28/kareem-on-donald-sterling-shouldnt-we-be
Personally, DILLIGAF
His words were clearly more impactful than the actions of Michael Vick.
10mm-man
04-29-2014, 20:46
IBTL. That is all.
^^^^ I'll roll with this....
The owner is an idiot and a racist. However, neither of those things are cause to force someone to sell property. This sets a dangerous precedent, what will you do when you're labeled a racist or any other pejorative by some liberal and forced to sell your property.
Bailey Guns
04-29-2014, 20:48
Yet Sharpton and Jackson and Reid and Biden and Kerry can all make racist comments with nary a word said by anyone.
BPTactical
04-29-2014, 20:51
The owner is an idiot and a racist. However, neither of those things are cause to force someone to sell property. This sets a dangerous precedent, what will you do when you're labeled a racist or any other pejorative by some liberal and forced to sell your property.
This does set a spooky precedent doesn't it?
But the one question that begs an answer: why did the bimbo out the tape?
Gold digger?
Didn't get enough severance pay?
BushMasterBoy
04-29-2014, 20:55
No NBA =7 foot tall garbagemen
60% of NBA player retirees are bankrupt after 5 years
I'd be afraid to screw over a billionaire...that kinda money could have you disappear without a trace. Obamas GITMO pales in comparison.
More circus's and bread...notice I did not mention race?
His words were clearly more impactful than the actions of Michael Vick.
And making more waves than Kerry saying Israel could become an "apartheid state."
Yet Sharpton and Jackson and Reid and Biden and Kerry can all make racist comments with nary a word said by anyone.
THIS! Let's not forget Obama himself too...
Kraven251
04-29-2014, 20:56
I am unfortunately fresh out of give a fuck about the NBA, the hypocrisy of professional sports has always bordered on idiotic, this just takes it the next step further.
Meh. I got bigger fish to fry. Didn't know/care about him before this don't care now.
That being said, sentence seems pretty harsh.
This does set a spooky precedent doesn't it?
But the one question that begs an answer: why did the bimbo out the tape?
Gold digger?
Didn't get enough severance pay?
Oh yes, the ramifications are ENORMOUS, if they can do it to a billionaire who can afford the very finest legal protection they can do it to you...especially if they get the gov't to chip in with hate-crime law. I wonder how long it will be until a citizen can be forcibly moved to some other country b/c some asshole called said citizen a racist...it'd be cheaper to kill said citizen.
Bimbo = Gold Digger - I wonder if she planned to set him up for this a while ago; gold digger not necessarily stupid..maybe cunning and shrewd.
The owner is an idiot and a racist. However, neither of those things are cause to force someone to sell property. This sets a dangerous precedent, what will you do when you're labeled a racist or any other pejorative by some liberal and forced to sell your property.
I agree with this, EXCEPT, that there is an NBA Constitution that is not public knowledge. We don't know what it says.
Oh yes, the ramifications are ENORMOUS, if they can do it to a billionaire who can afford the very finest legal protection they can do it to you...especially if they get the gov't to chip in with hate-crime law. I wonder how long it will be until a citizen can be forcibly moved to some other country b/c some asshole called said citizen a racist...it'd be cheaper to kill said citizen.
Bimbo = Gold Digger - I wonder if she planned to set him up for this a while ago; gold digger not necessarily stupid..maybe cunning and shrewd.
And even more confusing... she's black/Mexican! This guy is something strange...
BushMasterBoy
04-29-2014, 21:12
I always thought it was a 500 lb gorilla in the room, not an elephant...
And making more waves than Kerry saying Israel could become an "apartheid state."
THIS! Let's not forget Obama himself too...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid
OT but Kerry has no clue about how utterly WRONG he is. In Israel, Jews, Christians, and Muslims work together in the government, in the hospitals and everywhere else.
Liberals practice a form of apartheid using political correctness; instead of race they use language, interests, jobs, possessions to segregate people...the pc list is endlessly discriminatory. Divide and conquer is the method and goal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid
OT but Kerry has no clue about how utterly WRONG he is. In Israel, Jews, Christians, and Muslims work together in the government, in the hospitals and everywhere else.
Liberals practice a form of apartheid using political correctness; instead of race they use language, interests, jobs, possessions to segregate people...the pc list is endlessly discriminatory. Divide and conquer is the method and goal.
Created a thread somewhat based on that:
https://www.ar-15.co/threads/130939-The-Middle-East-Problem-Explained-PERFECTLY-by-Dennis-Prager-VIDEO?p=1608091#post1608091
osok-308
04-29-2014, 21:31
I know what the guy said was racist, and he definitely has the money to pay it. but man, 2.5 million dollars for a private statement. But the NBA is also a private organization and can do what they want. But how do they actually issue a fine? It's not like they're the public library or anything.
and banning him for life? He's like 85, they could have just banned him for two years. [ROFL1]
What galls me about this is didn't he say these things in private, in his own home? Who wiretapped him and put this out to the media? Did the girlfriend leak this?
So now I can't rant and rave in the privacy of my own home without losing my job, business and suffering fines etc?
Okay, weird thing for a guy who's dating a black girl and owns an NBA team to say but I hope he fights it and wins.Where does the 1st amendment come in to play? This was a private concersation that was hiijacked was it not?
Democrats feeding on Democrats for the sake of being politically correct, what's the world coming too? The guy is an idiot, play and say stupid things win stupid prises. Surprised Obama didn't try to have another beer summit when the last "racist" issue came up. Just another dirty old man messing with an immature gold digging chick.
What galls me about this is didn't he say these things in private, in his own home? Who wiretapped him and put this out to the media? Did the girlfriend leak this?
So now I can't rant and rave in the privacy of my own home without losing my job, business and suffering fines etc?
Okay, weird thing for a guy who's dating a black girl and owns an NBA team to say but I hope he fights it and wins.Where does the 1st amendment come in to play? This was a private concersation that was hiijacked was it not?
"California's wiretapping law is a "two-party consent" law (http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/recording-phone-calls-and-conversations). California makes it a crime to record or eavesdrop on any confidential communication, including a private conversation or telephone call, without the consent of all parties to the conversation. See Cal. Penal Code ยง 632 (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=00001-01000&file=630-638). The statute applies to "confidential communications" -- i.e., conversations in which one of the parties has an objectively reasonable expectation that no one is listening in or overhearing the conversation." Someone violated the law in this case...
KestrelBike
04-29-2014, 21:38
I don't believe for a second that the girl did not have that planned. Way too articulate for her not to have thought this out well in advance.
clublights
04-29-2014, 21:39
Here's what I think about the whole Sterling issue... Mark Cuban pretty much said it best:
http://www.ijreview.com/2014/04/133803-4-extremely-rational-quotes-mark-cuban-made-clippers-owner-donald-sterlings-racist-comments/
#1 – On his views of Sterling’s comments:
“What Donald said was wrong. It was abhorrent. There’s no place for racism in the NBA, any business I’m associated with, and I don’t want to be associated with people who have that position.”
#2 – On whether/how the NBA should respond:
“I think you’ve got to be very, very careful when you start making blanket statements about what people say and think, as opposed to what they do. It’s a very, very slippery slope.”
#3 – On suggestions that the NBA should ban Sterling from the league:
“If it’s about racism and we’re ready to kick people out of the league, OK? Then what about homophobia? What about somebody who doesn’t like a particular religion? What about somebody who’s anti-Semitic? What about a xenophobe?”
#4 – On what it all boils down to:
“In this country, people are allowed to be morons.”
Where does it end ? sure sterling is an asshole but since when is it illegal ?
Besides... the guy bought the team for 12.5 million ... it's valued at 600million right now .. forcing him to sell now makes him a shit ton of money. sure fine the guy .. and censure him. but let all of his free agents leave.. let all of his ad deals and sponsorships bounce.. this will devalue the team so when he does try to sell it takes a huge loss. and that right there is WAY more punishment then a 600 million dollar sale ( or 597.5 million ... take the 2.5 million fine off the top).
kidicarus13
04-29-2014, 21:44
My opinion... the NBA commissioner was forced to impose the punishment he did or the NBA as a league would suffer extreme monetary loss. Read between the lines if you'd like.
<MADDOG>
04-29-2014, 22:04
Personally, DILLIGAF
This...
Obviously, ownership within the NBA has a code of conduct as part of the contract. Now Mr. Sterling is free to speak what he wishes and ignore a $2.5M fine after he settles for many times that for the sale of the team.
Either way; why give a shit? Stop being a drone...
colorider
04-29-2014, 22:13
Meanwhile on the bench, you have players that kill people, rape women, admitently have sex with hundreds of women,, sexually abuse women, domestic violence , dog fights... I could go on for hours. What he said was said between him and his skank. It was not a public announcement or something he said to the public or to the press. The NBA reacted as they had to due to $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Plain and simple. Personally I think the guy is a total scumbag.
Considering that the taped phone call was illegal per Cali law and that the guy has stated that he will NOT sell the team, I think it goes like this. The NBA will try to force him to sell the team but out of sheer principal he will not sell. Since their only evidence of him being a racist is an illegally recorded phone call, the court will throw that out and ask what else they have. NBA can’t produce anything else so they court says they have no grounds to force him to sell. As for the fine, why would he pay it? What are they going to do? Ban him for life plus 10 years?
One thing that is sure, this will drag on for a LONG time. Best thing people can do is boycott everything this guy is involved with. I can only imagine TV ratings and ticket sales were huge tonight, guess who profits off of that.
mackbamf
04-29-2014, 23:11
And of course from here on out if any black player in the NBA, while talking to his friends in private, is ever overheard making derogatory statements or racially insensitive comments towards a white guy is sure to get a lifetime ban as well...right?!?
clublights
04-29-2014, 23:29
..... Since their only evidence of him being a racist is an illegally recorded phone call, the court will throw that out and ask what else they have. NBA can’t produce anything else so they court says they have no grounds to force him to sell.....
It's my understanding that this is not the only evidence that the guy is a racist....
even if the NAACP gave him a lifetime achievement award in 09 and was about to give him another LOL
Meh, he's an amateur in comparison to Marge Schott, late former owner of the Cinncinnati Reds. Now THAT woman knew how to offend people!
1. i dont give a shit about the NBA
2. I don't watch NBA except on the rare occasion I will watch a championship game.
3. I really don't care what the man said, a fine that big and a ban for it...utter bullshit. the players reactions were worse than what the owner said...and what he said really wasn't that terrible. sounds like he has a beef with magic Johnson more than anything.
4. freedom of speech, be the stronger person and consider the guy a racist looney, instead of protesting warm ups, throwing a major fit about it and causing such a disturbance over a few words.
5. I still don't give a shit about the NBA. they are boring to watch, there is too many games played and the season drags on way too long.
<MADDOG>
04-30-2014, 00:06
Nothing to see here, move along with the US media hype...
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/04/22/us-troops-arrive-in-poland-for-exercises-across-eastern-europe-amid-ukraine/
www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/famee.pdf
http://rt.com/business/155404-russia-iran-energy-deal/
http://thebricspost.com/china-criticizes-us-sanctions-against-russia/#.U2CSkfldXQS
hghclsswhitetrsh
04-30-2014, 00:13
I wonder who says more racist comments, the owner or the players sitting on the bench...
I wish California would fall off into the ocean or be given back to the Mexicans.
Meh, he's an amateur in comparison to Marge Schott, late former owner of the Cinncinnati Reds. Now THAT woman knew how to offend people!
Ahhhh yes. Marge Schott.
She made lots of people uncomfortable, except Eric Davis.
http://i62.tinypic.com/9izech.jpg
I wonder who says more racist comments, the owner or the players sitting on the bench...
I wish California would fall off into the ocean or be given back to the Mexicans.
yeppers, it be great to watch it float away! I'd even bust out a bottle of Charles shaw wine to send it off!
Madeinhb
04-30-2014, 00:40
Moving from Los Angeles (however, I'm a Lakers fan) he is a known racist. He has had to pay out for discrimination from his properties. So this isn't just the first time for this kind of stuff. He is still married and has a 25 year old gf. Who is a gold digger.
Now while some may say that it's too harsh to force to sell the team, keeping the team under his ownership will be worse. Sponsors will pull out, coaches and players will not want to play. The league doesn't want this. He as an owner is 1/30 ownership of NBA and there are 29 other partners. So per their agreement and by laws - they can force someone to sell.
I agree with this, EXCEPT, that there is an NBA Constitution that is not public knowledge. We don't know what it says.
Well if there is an NBA constitution and Stirling signed up to obey it and he violated it then I can see where they'd have a leg up to force him to sell his property.
amended - there is a constitution and by-laws; I did not read it. I'm only interested in this topic for the property rights questions.
http://mediacentral.nba.com/media/mediacentral/NBA-Constitution-and-By-Laws.pdf
hollohas
04-30-2014, 05:59
Someone saying something mean in what is supposed to be a private conversation should not be national news or a $2.5 million fine. They should not be able to ban him from his own company or force him to sell. The dude is a dick, so what.
While all this is going on the national media is nearly 100% missing the fact that there are now emails that have been made public that 100% without a doubt prove the white house was involved in the Benghazi misinformation with very strong evidence they purposely changed the talking points to use the video excuse as a way to prevent the president looking bad. Was this the top headline anywhere??? Nope....
We all knew this already but now there is proof and the media would rather spend 100% of their time talking about an old wealthy racist saying something mean.
BPTactical
04-30-2014, 06:42
Compare this to the treatment of Brandon Eichs, who was ousted from Mozilla for support of traditional marriage.
This is a terrifying trend.
We all know that racism is still around! I don't know why propel are still so shocked by it. I don't like what he said but if we start making people sell there business because they are racist it will snowball into views and opinions on other subjects like firearms! This could be a dangerous decision for all business owners. He is free to say what he wants cause he still lives in a free country?
hollohas
04-30-2014, 07:16
Compare this to the treatment of Brandon Eichs, who was ousted from Mozilla for support of traditional marriage.
This is a terrifying trend.
This. Especially the last sentence.
And of course from here on out if any black player in the NBA, while talking to his friends in private, is ever overheard making derogatory statements or racially insensitive comments towards a white guy is sure to get a lifetime ban as well...right?!?
Hahahaaaaaa... good one.
Magic 8 Ball says; Several attorneys will make more money off of the Clippers than any of the Clippers players.
I don't support racists. Boycott NAN - http://nationalactionnetwork.net/
Next target - Dan Snyder
So the guy made some offensive statements and got kicked out of a private club. I see no mention of charges or anything, just some public shaming (by the other members of that club).
As clublights said you have the right to be a moron and these are the consequences of acting like a moron.
Kanye West has said many things quite publicly that are far worse than anything this asshat has alleged to have said. The worst he got was a lot of free publiciity and a 2 year ban from attending the Grammys(not receiving them, just attending the awards ceremony).
zzzippper
04-30-2014, 09:40
I agree.
Some more background:
The story was broken by TMZ. That alone says a lot.
He has a 40 year history as a public racist, a quick google search will pull up the stories and they are not new.
He made his money as a slumlord. Quoted as saying that he loves renting to Koreans because they'll live in whatever conditions he gives them and they pay the rent without complaining.
78% of the NBA players are black.
The Clippers players contemplated boycotting (forfeiting) a game. The NBA is a franchise business and the other owners saw him as putting their investments at risk.
He will fight this in court and continue to make money.
If forced to sell the team I don't think anyone can tell him for how much. He can price it out of sight and continue to own and make money or sell it and make even more money.
He is 89 (?) years old. I don't think he'll suffer for long.
So the guy made some offensive statements and got kicked out of a private club. I see no mention of charges or anything, just some public shaming (by the other members of that club).
As clublights said you have the right to be a moron and these are the consequences of acting like a moron.
centrarchidae
04-30-2014, 10:19
So the guy made some offensive statements and got kicked out of a private club. I see no mention of charges or anything, just some public shaming (by the other members of that club).
As clublights said you have the right to be a moron and these are the consequences of acting like a moron.
This.
I have yet to hear about any part of any government sticking their noses into this.
I just don't see the difference between this and the owner of a Burger King franchise talking about how he doesn't want minorities in his drive-through, so BK World Domination Headquarters forces him out.
The only part of this "sentence" that bothers me is the thought of what else is going on in the world that's not making the news while everybody's focused on the shiny thing.
Disclaimer: I don't even like basketball.
Sent from my straight telegraph key.
BushMasterBoy
04-30-2014, 10:31
This.
The only part of this "sentence" that bothers me is the thought of what else is going on in the world that's not making the news while everybody's focused on the shiny thing.
Oh FFS you don't want the black community in a uproar over the "botched" execution in Oklahoma...hell even GITMO detainees don't get treated that badly! And I think you are right, this hyped story is a distraction from whats really important. More mainstream media spewing garbage to the masses backed by high ranking .gov officials.
centrarchidae
04-30-2014, 10:42
Of course Gitmo detainees are treated better. They're alive and the inmate in Oklahoma, well, isn't.
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk
The Clippers players contemplated boycotting (forfeiting) a game.
Yeah...Sure they did. A lot of false protest going on (the shirt thing, twit statements, etc.); but had it come down to it, I sincerely doubt any of the players would have forfeited their game check/playoff monies, etc., let alone jeopardize their playoff series. All bluster, no balls. (Unless they had the go-ahead from the league, and not lost monies/status.)
My opinion...Flame it if you like.
The NBA is a franchise business and the other owners saw him as putting their investments at risk.
And this ^^^^ is why he will lose ownership, pure and simple. Players continue to mouth off in public, and promote/stir up racial unrest...no big deal to the MSM and the race-baiters.
Sent via Mobile Work Avoidance Device
speedysst
04-30-2014, 11:02
Yet Charles Barkley (I think it was him) stated that the NBA was a "black league." I wonder how the white players feel about that. Might they be offended too?
And of course from here on out if any black player in the NBA, while talking to his friends in private, is ever overheard making derogatory statements or racially insensitive comments towards a white guy is sure to get a lifetime ban as well...right?!?
Teufelhund
04-30-2014, 11:07
LMAO at banned for life and fined $2.5M...
Kinda like:
Boss: "Tom, you're fired. Stock the shelves before you leave."
Tom: "GFY, guy. I don't work here anymore."
Very troublesome at how quick the mob formed on this one. The guy is a jackass but he was illegally recorded, baited by the GF into saying a lot, all during a private call, in the privacy of his home. Yet no one cares because "This guy had it coming". If you can't be an asshole in your own home, where is the freedom?
RblDiver
04-30-2014, 12:01
Agreed, the guy sounds like a moron, but the response seems out of proportion.
Also, if this becomes precedent, how about banning Spike Lee? http://twitchy.com/2014/04/30/sermon-from-bigot-who-hates-interracial-couples-larry-elder-smacks-spike-lee-and-the-nba/
Yeah, if this happened in his own home, during a private conversation between him and his ass-ugly girlfriend, and it was secretly recorded and leaked to the press? Smells to me like someone's looking to fatten her bank account at his expense. If he made these comments in a more open or public scenario, that's far different.
Madeinhb
04-30-2014, 13:26
Yeah, if this happened in his own home, during a private conversation between him and his ass-ugly girlfriend, and it was secretly recorded and leaked to the press? Smells to me like someone's looking to fatten her bank account at his expense. If he made these comments in a more open or public scenario, that's far different.
That sad thing is that she has recorded him before and he knew she had recorded him previously. So now he isn't smart getting into it knowing what she has done in past.
Great-Kazoo
04-30-2014, 13:30
Yeah, if this happened in his own home, during a private conversation between him and his ass-ugly girlfriend, and it was secretly recorded and leaked to the press? Smells to me like someone's looking to fatten her bank account at his expense. If he made these comments in a more open or public scenario, that's far different.
Yes & no. While it's really no one's business what transpires in private. What would gun owners reaction be to a leaked / verified conversation of a D / bloomberg / biden etc saying everything was in place to start gun confiscation, nationwide. Wouldn't you want to know that info?
funkymonkey1111
04-30-2014, 13:31
Yet Charles Barkley (I think it was him) stated that the NBA was a "black league." I wonder how the white players feel about that. Might they be offended too?
a black league funded by, let's say, a crowd with a different demographic. (and the same demographic funding the overpriced, made-in-china "gear," too)
zzzippper
04-30-2014, 13:59
Yeah...Sure they did. A lot of false protest going on (the shirt thing, twit statements, etc.); but had it come down to it, I sincerely doubt any of the players would have forfeited their game check/playoff monies, etc., let alone jeopardize their playoff series. All bluster, no balls. (Unless they had the go-ahead from the league, and not lost monies/status.)
My opinion...Flame it if you like.
Call it BS if you want but reportedly three games would have been cancelled: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-players--we-would-have-boycotted-playoff-games-003205613.html I don't think it would take too much for a bunch of millionaires to take a night off and they would have been called Civil Rights heroes. personally I don't care, I hate basketball. But some rich white men were having their investments threatened and they took the easy way out. Frankly, if I was one of them I would not have bothered to support him.
Call it BS if you want but reportedly three games would have been cancelled: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-players--we-would-have-boycotted-playoff-games-003205613.html I don't think it would take too much for a bunch of millionaires to take a night off and they would have been called Civil Rights heroes.
And that is how this is supposed to work.
A differing viewpoint, brought up in a calm and reasoned manner. With supporting articles, to boot.
Cheers, forum brother! :beer:
(Even though I still feel that most pro athletes are too selfish to take a stand which would require that much self-sacrifice.)
Sent via Mobile Work Avoidance Device
Yes & no. While it's really no one's business what transpires in private. What would gun owners reaction be to a leaked / verified conversation of a D / bloomberg / biden etc saying everything was in place to start gun confiscation, nationwide. Wouldn't you want to know that info?
There's a difference between a public official and a private business owner.
Yes & no. While it's really no one's business what transpires in private. What would gun owners reaction be to a leaked / verified conversation of a D / bloomberg / biden etc saying everything was in place to start gun confiscation, nationwide. Wouldn't you want to know that info?
"I don't like somebody, so don't bring them around me" is entirely different than "Let's start the process of taking peoples' property, in order to subjugate them"
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ETA: I know Sterling's statements were far more coarse than that, just making a point as to the disparity in the comparison.
crashdown
04-30-2014, 14:43
I have yet to hear about any part of any government sticking their noses into this.
Obama chimed in the first day, he is sorta government:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/04/27/obama-donald-sterling/8264191/
Oddly he didn't say what I would have said.... "If I had a grampa he would look like"........oh, never-mind.
Obama chimed in the first day, he is sorta government:
Not really.
Oops...did I say that out loud?
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Call it BS if you want but reportedly three games would have been cancelled: http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-players--we-would-have-boycotted-playoff-games-003205613.html I don't think it would take too much for a bunch of millionaires to take a night off and they would have been called Civil Rights heroes. personally I don't care, I hate basketball. But some rich white men were having their investments threatened and they took the easy way out. Frankly, if I was one of them I would not have bothered to support him.
And that is how this is supposed to work.
A differing viewpoint, brought up in a calm and reasoned manner. With supporting articles, to boot.
Cheers, forum brother! :beer:
(Even though I still feel that most pro athletes are too selfish to take a stand which would require that much self-sacrifice.)
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The bolded portion (by me) of your amended statement was not addressed by my original reply, so I will add:
While I stand by my statement above (regarding the players), I do agree that the owners, league officials, et al, took a loss-mitigation approach which is understandable from a business perspective (saving millions in revenue for the league), but exposes a certain lack of integrity within the entire NBA, top-to-bottom.
It has become less and less about personal character, and more about ego and dollars. Period. Everyone took the easy way out, not just the owners. Had the players indeed boycotted, by refusing to play, are you sure we (society) would be praising their willingness to stand up and make a statement, or would we be assailing them as spoiled, whiny children? And would the league have stood behind them, as all that lost revenue grew and grew?
I hope this is not too far off topic from the OP, and this is not an attack on zzzippper. Thanks for reading.
zzzippper
04-30-2014, 16:03
are you sure we (society) would be praising their willingness to stand up and make a statement, or would we be assailing them as spoiled, whiny children? And would the league have stood behind them, as all that lost revenue grew and grew?
In no way did I suggest that the league would support them, I'm certain they would not. And yes, I believe a certain demographic of "society" would call them heroes just as that demographic cheered when OJ Simpson was acquited.
hollohas
04-30-2014, 16:12
Obama chimed in the first day, he is sorta government:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/04/27/obama-donald-sterling/8264191/
Oddly he didn't say what I would have said.... "If I had a grampa he would look like"........oh, never-mind.
I'm surprised he didn't say " He's just a typical white person" scared of black men, like how he described his own grandmother.
Yes & no. While it's really no one's business what transpires in private. What would gun owners reaction be to a leaked / verified conversation of a D / bloomberg / biden etc saying everything was in place to start gun confiscation, nationwide. Wouldn't you want to know that info?
Man, now you're comparing avocadoes and hand grenades. Not the same at all.
In no way did I suggest that the league would support them, I'm certain they would not.
I didn't think you were. Sorry if it came across that way. My point was that they wouldn't take the pay/prestige hit, without the league subsidizing them.
And yes, I believe a certain demographic of "society" would call them heroes just as that demographic cheered when OJ Simpson was acquited.
No way I can argue that point. Agree 100%. And I'm guessing that, that same element of society would likely voice that the players should be paid, even without playing, because it wasn't their fault.
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Aloha_Shooter
04-30-2014, 20:54
I detest the PC trend that got Brandon Eichs fired and threatened so many others for expressing their religion or philosophy. Pretty ironic given how much the Left lionizes the Hollywood Black Listers (who were indisputably Communists and some of whom admitted to pushing their political thoughts in their scripts). On the other hand, the voice on the tape is unquestionably Stirling and what he said was pathetic, stupid, and offensive. Bottom line, Stirling was costing the rest of the NBA owners more than Marge Schott cost MLB. They have the right as a private organization to tell him they don't want him as part of their private club anymore because he's costing them money -- I'm pretty sure he agreed to terms like that when he got the club. He can be as racist and offensive as he likes at home, the other NBA owners and players have the right to NOT associate with him.
Dude said some stupid fucking things, and now he's paying the price for it.
Everybody, me included, says some stupid things from time to time.
Most of us are fortunate enough to not draw national attention to ourselves.
Given some of the other problems in the country and the world, I could not possibly care less about the NBA, the Clippers, the owner of the Clippers, or most of the people who seem to want to talk about this story on TV and radio.
I am so finished with this blip in the history of stupid human tricks.
I know it's not the same thing, but I'm still bewildered that not only does the idiots from Westboro Baptist Church get to freely spew their filth, but they're protected while doing it.
I know it's not the same thing, but I'm still bewildered that not only does the idiots from Westboro Baptist Church get to freely spew their filth, but they're protected while doing it.
I'm sure that if you asked, they could be banned from NBA games, too...
funkymonkey1111
05-01-2014, 07:40
I know it's not the same thing, but I'm still bewildered that not only does the idiots from Westboro Baptist Church get to freely spew their filth, but they're protected while doing it.
that it's not the same thing is obviously the difference in the sanction. in the U.S. (so far, at least) you can hate people all day long--you can have all sorts of signs and preaching like the Westboro folks do and be protected from government sanction. Here, Sterling was part of a business and he agreed to terms--and those terms were used against him as a sanction. the government (which is the only entity the 1st amendment applies to) is not sanctioning Sterling, the private organization is.
BlasterBob
05-01-2014, 07:41
Everybody, me included, says some stupid things from time to time.
Most of us are fortunate enough to not draw national attention to ourselves.
+1 for what cstone said. Damn good thing people can't read our mind/thoughts or MOST of us would be in trouble of some sorts. This is just a case of making a huge mountain out of an ant hill (piss ant type hill).[pileoshit]
that it's not the same thing is obviously the difference in the sanction. in the U.S. (so far, at least) you can hate people all day long--you can have all sorts of signs and preaching like the Westboro folks do and be protected from government sanction. Here, Sterling was part of a business and he agreed to terms--and those terms were used against him as a sanction. the government (which is the only entity the 1st amendment applies to) is not sanctioning Sterling, the private organization is.
^Bingo
BPTactical
05-01-2014, 09:42
I know it's not the same thing, but I'm still bewildered that not only does the idiots from Westboro Baptist Church get to freely spew their filth, but they're protected while doing it.
As abhorrent as some things some say, I will defend their right to say it.
wctriumph
05-01-2014, 12:20
As said earlier, to me this is the thought police going full on retard. Private conversation, and a man can think what he wants to think no matter what he thinks. He can also say what he thinks and when a private call is released to the public then there is an agenda behind it. Think what you want, you are allowed to do so. Say what you want in private, you are allowed to. I don't agree with everything he said but he has a right to his own thoughts and opinions and to express them privately without punishment. If he stood up at center court and said these things then there would be a penalty to pay and people that disagree can vote with their feet and wallets. The agenda behind this is the poison of our society and it is driven from those that would repress freedom.
If a black man says that all crackers must be exterminated it gets on Youtube.
If a white mans says all ******s must hang it makes the news and it is called hate speech and the guy is in major trouble.
There is a double standard and as Americans we must stay true and work to eliminate the hate and the agenda (money) that is driving this. Speak up to those that spout out the hate and try your best to counter their evil. We owe our children a better world than we have now. It is a hard thing to do but it must be done and we have to do it. If it was easy someone else could do your job.
TEA
III
BlasterBob
05-01-2014, 14:33
I certainly do NOT want to stir up a hornets nest here but I wonder how many guys posting here kinda agree with exactly what he said but to be in the PC majority, they are jumping on the band wagon with being critical of what the old fart said - in what he believed to be a private conversation. [shithitsfan]
funkymonkey1111
05-01-2014, 14:42
I certainly do NOT want to stir up a hornets nest here but I wonder how many guys posting here kinda agree with exactly what he said but to be in the PC majority, they are jumping on the band wagon with being critical of what the old fart said - in what he believed to be a private conversation. [shithitsfan]
i've got no problem with what he said, and think he's getting railroaded--and was hosed by the skanky twat that did the recording
BlasterBob
05-02-2014, 07:28
Sure hope that my comment did NOT kill this thread (about the old fart getting kinda railroaded)[Rant1]
BPTactical
05-02-2014, 07:39
i've got no problem with what he said, and think he's getting railroaded--and was hosed by the skanky twat that did the recording
Winner winner chicken dinner.
While his statements were not PC[Puke], he has the right to say what is on his mind.
Gotta question the nature of his "relationship" with the bimbo in question. She was his "girlfriend" but she was banging other dudes.
He has the right to say what he said, I don't agree with it but I'll defend his right to say it. I'll defend the rights of Sharpton and Jackson to voice their flatulence too, even if every word is a damn lie.
Political correctness attacks rights, not content.
Did we see anybody ask this asshat why he thought that way or present an argument showing that he was wrong? NO.
What we saw is a group of people denying this POS his right to property he bought and paid for.
He has the right to say what he said, I don't agree with it but I'll defend his right to say it. I'll defend the rights of Sharpton and Jackson to voice their flatulence too, even if every word is a damn lie.
Political correctness attacks rights, not content.
Did we see anybody ask this asshat why he thought that way or present an argument showing that he was wrong? NO.
What we saw is a group of people denying this POS his right to property he bought and paid for.
Why would anyone ask him? The left would much rather do their favorite activity- pointing fingers and yelling "RACIST!!!" I swear, that word has lost all of it's power. Now whenever someone says someone is racist, I usually think the accuser is completely full of shit. Thanks to MSNBC and the left, "racist", "racism", etc are empty, hollow words being used in a different connotation than their original definition described.
I realize it's not the best source for "news," but I would bet there's some truth here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2616878/EXCLUSIVE-Donald-Sterling-stripped-bare-Disgraced-Clippers-boss-violent-bully-paraded-NAKED-kids-friends-calls-Christians-STUPID-whipped-son-belt-told-stop-eating-like-n-er.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2618443/V-Stiviano-STRIPPER-bragged-boob-job-claims-former-high-schools-football-coach.html
These people live in a different world.
BlasterBob
05-02-2014, 12:07
The mouthy old bastard will probably make even more money after a few law suits and will come out of this mess -[pileoshit]smelling like a rose??
Why would anyone ask him? The left would much rather do their favorite activity- pointing fingers and yelling "RACIST!!!" I swear, that word has lost all of it's power. Now whenever someone says someone is racist, I usually think the accuser is completely full of shit. Thanks to MSNBC and the left, "racist", "racism", etc are empty, hollow words being used in a different connotation than their original definition described.
Exactly, let's not have a discussion, let's get all emotional and make decisions based on feelings. When we hear the word "racist" we know we've won the argument because the left has no facts to back its positions.
james_bond_007
05-02-2014, 12:26
This does set a spooky precedent doesn't it?
But the one question that begs an answer: why did the bimbo out the tape?
Gold digger?
Didn't get enough severance pay?
I have been wondering the same thing.
Was she paid off to "entrap" him (not that it would take much to do that) ?
Or just after revenge for something he did that she didn't "like" ?
TheWeeze
05-02-2014, 12:54
I have been wondering the same thing.
Was she paid off to "entrap" him (not that it would take much to do that) ?
Or just after revenge for something he did that she didn't "like" ?
She was getting sued by his wife, whom was pissed because he was spending millions of dollars on her. The wife (estranged, not divorced) sued her to get back the property including 4 cars and a $1.8 million house in LA. I assume that was the ultimate reasoning behind releasing the tapes. If she has to give back all the property, maybe they'll both pay more not to have the rest of the footage leaked.
mackbamf
05-02-2014, 12:54
I certainly do NOT want to stir up a hornets nest here but I wonder how many guys posting here kinda agree with exactly what he said but to be in the PC majority, they are jumping on the band wagon with being critical of what the old fart said - in what he believed to be a private conversation. [shithitsfan]
The majority of the population in this country have lost their ability to say anything that is not PC while anyone else can say whatever they want without consequence. So we should all just sit on our hands and shut our mouths like we have been trained to do...
Whatever happened to the phrase "Words are only as powerful as you let them be."?
BPTactical
05-02-2014, 14:24
Whatever happened to the phrase "Words are only as powerful as you let them be."?
"Feelings" got in the way of logic.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jC3JFVKJtyM
blacklabel
05-02-2014, 15:51
Sterling just wishes he would have paid her off. No really, that's part of his first words on the issue.
Aloha_Shooter
05-02-2014, 22:18
An article in the Wall Street Journal got me thinking. Sterling has more-or-less been placed in a must-sell position right before the team is due for a serious windfall which means he likely won't get as much as he would have next year or later. I wonder if the former mistress got some kind of a kickback from prospective buyers for creating a situation where he's in a distressed sale ...
What he said isn't even close to being nearly as bad as what Boston fans said after PK Subban scored the game winning goal on Thursday:
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/05/02/boston-strong-racist-reaction-after-subban-scores-game-winner/
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StagLefty
05-03-2014, 11:09
The interview on 20/20 last night with Sterling's "personal assistant" was bizarre to say the least.
funkymonkey1111
05-03-2014, 11:58
What he said isn't even close to being nearly as bad as what Boston fans said after PK Subban scored the game winning goal on Thursday:
http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2014/05/02/boston-strong-racist-reaction-after-subban-scores-game-winner/
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what do you expect from a city so morally bankrupt it still had segregated schools in the 70s--20 years after Brown v. Board of Education. Any still people shit on the south as the hotbed of racism, whereas anyone with half a brain knows it's the northeast and midwest.
The interview on 20/20 last night with Sterling's "personal assistant" was bizarre to say the least.
I also watched the 20/20 last night, and I do not buy her story.
Giving PA those lavishing gift/off the book salary or perks doesn't make sense. Heck, even if she put her vanaynay on a silver platter, it is not worth giving her a Ferrari California, 2 Bently, and 1.9mil house in Los Angeles.
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