The NBA is investigating whether racially insensitive comments in an audio recording obtained by TMZ were made by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. “The remarks heard on the recording are disturbing and offensive, but at this time we have no further information,” NBA executive vice president of communication Mike Bass said. He also said the league is conducting a “full investigation.” The players union is also looking into the situation, according to President Chris Paul, who is also the Clippers point guard. “On behalf of the National Basketball Players Association, this is a very serious issue which we will address aggressively,” Paul said in a statement. “We have asked Mayor Kevin Johnson to expand his responsibilities with the NBPA, to determine our response and our next steps. As players, we owe it to our teams and our fans to keep our focus on our game, the playoffs, and the drive to the Finals.” Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, who is helping the union find its next executive director, called for an investigation and possible punishment. “The reported comments made by Clippers owner Donald Sterling are reprehensible and unacceptable,” Johnson said in a statement. “The National Basketball Players Association must and will play a very active role in determining how this issue is addressed. There needs to be an immediate investigation and if the reports are true, there needs to be strong and swift action taken. I have spoken with NBPA President Chris Paul and will be leading the NBPA in addressing the implications of this serious matter. I will be formally reaching out to the NBA today to determine our next steps. While I originally came on to lead the Executive Director search, this issue requires immediate attention from the players association. I will be keeping Chris Paul, the Executive Committee, and all player representatives informed of every step.” This is NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s first major issue to resolve since replacing David Stern in February, and the union, players and coaches are awaiting his response.
Clipppers president Andy Roeser, issued a statement on the situation: “We have heard the tape on TMZ. We do not know if it is legitimate or it has been altered. We do know that the woman on the tape — who we believe released it to TMZ — is the defendant in a lawsuit brought by the Sterling family alleging that she embezzled more than $1.8 million, who told Mr. Sterling that she would ‘get even.’ 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. He is also upset and apologizes for sentiments attributed to him about Earvin Johnson. He has long considered Magic a friend and has only the utmost respect and admiration for him–both in terms of who he is and what he has achieved. We are investigating this matter.” In the nearly 10-minute recording, the person asked a female associate “why are you taking pictures with minorities, why?” and told her not to bring to Lakers Hall of Famer Magic Johnson to Clippers games. In an audio obtained by TMZ and posted on its web site, the person said it bothers him that she posted photos of herself with black people on her Instagram account. After a recent Clippers game, the woman took a picture with Johnson. “Don’t put him on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. … And don’t bring him to my games, OK?” the person said on the audio recording. “Yeah, it bothers me a lot that you want to promote, broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?” the person also said. Johnson responded on Twitter Saturday: “LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s comments about African Americans are a black eye for the NBA.” And, “I feel sorry for my friends Coach Doc Rivers and Chris Paul that they have to work for a man that feels that way about African Americans.”
