TFON discuss Sterling, Silver and Suspension

Earlier this week Ron and Briyant kept us informed on what’s been going on with the Donald Sterling story.

Now that the hammer has been dropped down by commissioner Silver we got a few of our writer’s to say how they feel about the lifetime ban and fine.

Marcelus Joiner, TFON Writer-

I disagree with ruling. As controversial and demeaning as the comments this had nothing to do with Donald Sterling’s ability to run his organization. The recording was not public knowledge until it was leaked and just like everyone in society we have things that we may say or do that are unflattering. No one is mad at Dan Gilbert who’s economic stability was based on loans that cryshed the housing market or the Thunder’s owner who’s gains were predicated on fracking. So as much harm that may have been done to his character by his comments. Nothing say we messed up for this long from the NBA than what occurred today.

Ronnie Hampston, TFON C0-EIC-

I feel that Adam Silver made a huge statement in placing a ban on Donald Sterling. Sterling has been a known racist, and it has been swept under the rug for many years by the previous NBA Commissioner David Stern. With multiple infractions dealing with racial matters within the organization it was good to see that justice has finally been served. The punishment against Sterling serves as a notice for other owners in all of sports, that such behavior will not be tolerated. I know that Sterling is not the only owner in all of sports that feels this way about African-Americans, but his choice of belligerent words sends a huge wake up call. The Los Angeles Clippers finally get a 1000 pound boulder released off of their shoulder, and they can focus on the task at hand. In closing I would like to say hats off to Adam Silver, Kevin Johnson, Magic Johnson, Doc Rivers, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and others for taking public stances against Donald Sterling. This situation proves two things: 1) The power of words can uplift and inspire; 2) And the power of words can lead to a demise.

Jesse Smith, TFON C0-EIC-

The new commissioner Adam Silver was dealt a bad hand pretty fast by Donald Sterling, but he did a great job handling it. I agree with the ruling because Sterling’s history, I’m just a little bothered the way we came to the ruling if it wasn’t for a side chick was trying to blackmail Sterling we wouldn’t be in this situation. It’s funny how years ago nobody cared or paid attention to Sterling and his wrong doings when people like Bomani Jones and Baron Davis pointed it out. A lot of people who normally don’t speak out about pressing situations voiced their opinions *points to Kobe and MJ* salute to them and others LeBron, Shaq and Charles just to name a few. If Magic Johnson’s group is able to purchase the Clippers that would be a hilarious day. Shoutout to Silver by taking the bull by its horns. I guess the NBA does care, you see what I did there?

Briyant Hines, TFON Writer-
My thoughts on Donald Sterling is not to degrade him, but to point out that the NBA should have been done something about Sterling and his bigoted ways. The NBA has learned of the lawsuits against Donald Sterling and his housing discrimination policy against minorities. This man has showed his behind on more than one occasion…and the NBA decides to do something about it because it was actual hard evidence (a tape recording.)

The NBA’s ruling on Sterling was the ruling that almost every logical NBA fan wanted. Adam Silver did a great job in his first major case as Commissioner. This just wasnt for the African American, it was for the Jew, Mexican, Japanese, Korean, Caucasian, etc as well. The NBA represented that RACISM does not belong there and it will never belong there.

Derrick Bond, TFON Writer-

What Sterling said on those tapes was disgusting to say the least but even deeper than the racism spewed I heard confusion. I’m not an advocate for Sterling. As a young black male and more than that a human being, I found what he said incredibly ignorant, insensitive and just plain stupid. To pay black players and a black head coach as well as multiple other minority employees over the years to expand your brand to make money while not wanting minorities at your arena to ultimately make more money seems bizarre. Even more bizarre is telling a half Mexican half black woman that she shouldn’t be seen in public with people that are her own race. What I heard was an old man stuck in his ways being coerced by a younger woman with revenge in mind. She definitely baited him into the conversation but he still has no excuse for what he said. To then describe yourself in an “almighty” manner by saying I provide them with shelter I provide them with everything is amazingly self righteous. On a side note to think that because you employ minorities or whoever it may be and essentially benefit them in that regard does not mean you are not racist. What is problematic for me are the things about Sterlings past that were brought to light. He has a history clear as day, of being a bigot, racist and money hungry general manager who could care less about consumers. He deliberately tanked and had his team become the laughing stock of the NBA for decades. Worse than any phone conversation he was accused of not renting homes to minorities for absurd stereotypes. He lost millions of dollars in court fee’s and cases against him that were discrimination based. He was sued by Elgin Baylor a HOF NBA player for discrimination and being vastly underpaid. Baron Davis came forward and said as a player he dealt with these undertones for years.

My question is what took so long for action to be taken? If these things are documented why did this go on for so long? David Stern the so called best commissioner in major sports somehow didn’t know about any of this?

These are our thoughts, let us know yours!