Tapes Released
Tapes of a conversation between Donald Sterling and his girlfriend Vanessa Stiviano were released where Donald tells Miss Stiviano not to bring black people to his games including NBA legend Magic Johnson. He went on to say he doesn't want her to be seen in pictures with black people on Instagram. it has since been revealed that Donald has made other racist "missteps" in the past according to Miss Stiviano.
Outrage and Condemnation
Outrage soon followed with Magic Johnson blasting Donald Sterling and refusing to attend any more Clippers games and stating "Something has to be done". But that was just the beginning with condemnation coming from all corners with Kevin Hart, Rhianna, Snoop Dogg, LeBron James and more speaking out.
Clippers players staged a protest and hoped to make an even "stronger statement". Kareem Abdul-Jabbar weighed in on the Donald Sterling scandal referring to Sterling as a "villain".
Not only was backlash swift from celebrities and players alike but even Donald's own wife Rochelle Sterling has told reporters that the "family is devastated by the racist comments made by my estranged husband."
Repercussions
Donald's comments not only cost him his reputation but big sponsors too who pulled out with Sprint, Samsung and 12 other sponsors dumping the L.A. Clippers.
With calls for action from celebrities and the NAACP the NBA was forced to step in with NBA commissioner Adam Silver banning Donald Sterling for life from both Clippers games and the NBA as a whole. Donald Sterling was also fined $2.5 million. The banning was met with resounding agreement from all corners. After the ruling Samsung resumed adverting with the L.A. Clippers. Boycotts by players were also avoided thanks to the decision.
Not only was Donald Sterling banned but steps were taken to have him forcibly sell the L.A. Clippers which requires the other owners to back the NBA. However this will most likely result in a massive legal battle with other owners questioning if the forced sale was a good idea. With the future of the L.A. Clippers up in the air there has been talks of future owners including Oprah Winfrey and more. With the L.A. Clippers up for sale it's reported Donald Sterling could make as much as $780 million if forced to sell.
The repercussions over the debacle have had wider reaching consequences with NAACP chapter head resigning after he had decided to award Donald Sterling for promoting Civil Rights.
Since the ban Miss Stiviano claims Donald is confused and traumatized. It has also been revealed that Donald Sterling has been battling cancer.
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