(AllHipHop News) In the past 24 hours, everyone from current NBA players to 20 year veteran rappers have publicized their disgust over Los Angeles Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling’s alleged comments. In less than 12 hours, two of the most recognizable and influential NBA players, along with the President of the United States, voice their opinions on the comments and even suggests revoking Sterling’s ownership.
Obama addressed Donald Sterling’s alleged comments during a news conference with Malaysia’s prime minister Najib Razak, yesterday (April 26th). Obama called the comments “incredibly offensive racist statements” and spoke on Sterling’s alleged character :
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 admits that Americans “constantly have to be on guard on racial attitudes that divide us rather than embracing our diversity as a strength.” After stating he trusts NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will handle the matter accordingly, Obama does not see this as an isolated incident of racism:
The United States continues to wrestle with the legacy of race and slavery and segregation, that’s still there, the vestiges of discrimination. We’ve made enormous strides, but you’re going to continue to see this percolate up every so often. I think we need to steady and clear in announcing it and teaching our children differently.
Earlier today (April 27th), Michael Jordan always had a strained relationship with Bulls owner Jerry Krause during his playing time which Jordan has publicly admitted. As a part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Jordan issued a statement that addressed Sterling’s alleged comments from both the player and owner perspective:
I look at this from two perspectives – as a current owner and a former player. As an owner, I’m obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views. I’m confident that Adam Silver will make a full investigation and take appropriate action quickly. As a former player, I’m completely outraged. There is no room in the NBA – or anywhere else – for the kind of racism and hatred that Mr. Sterling allegedly expressed.
Magic Johnson appeared on ESPN’s NBA Countdown earlier today and revealed that former Laker owner Jerry Buss took Johnson to an event Sterling hosted in the first week he arrived in Los Angeles in 1979. After stating that he believed he developed a friendship with Sterling, Johnson explains why Silver’s punishment has to be drastic:
[Adam Silver]’s gotta come down hard. [Donald Sterling] shouldn’t own a team. [Sterling] should stand up and say ‘I don’t want to own a team.’ Especially when you have African Americans that are in his apartments, coming to the games and playing for him..and coaching for him.
Check out videos of Barack Obama and Magic Johnson addressing Los Angeles Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling’s alleged comments:
Barack Obama Addresses Donald Sterling’s Alleged Comments
Magic Johnson Addresses Donald Sterling’s Alleged Comments