What Does Magic Do?

5/13/2014

Pal

Just when you thought the dark cloud of racism and ignorance was about to pass over the NBA, Donald Sterling, the now defunct owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, tries to justify his words on CNN.

Sterling, who was banned for life from the league just last week for his over-the-top racist remarks, was interviewed by Anderson Cooper Monday. The billionaire bigot elected to do the interview without any help from a public relations rep or attorney. In fact, his interview was perhaps one of the most ill-advised television conversations in recent memory.

In an effort to clear his name, Sterling did, indeed, apologize for his heinous remarks. Yet his remarks seemed extremely unremorsful and lacked any tye of sincerity. He shed tears when Cooper asked about the woman who secretly recorded his racial epithet, claiming he was duped to believe she truly cared for him, and that only after this did he realize she was merely a gold digger.

Sterling danced around Cooper's questions as to whether or not he thought, or believed, she planned or did actually attempt to extort Sterling for more money. What Sterling did say may heve been just as foolish as his original rant.

Instead of accepting complete responsibility, Sterling went on the offensive, attacking one man in particular. The irony is he chose to attack one of the most beloved athletes of any sport, Ervin "Magic" Johnson.

In his Archie Bunker rant of ethnic stereotypes, Sterling pointed his shameful finger at the Hall of Famer. Sterling claims Johnson, much like the rest of the "black community," does little to help fellow "blacks." In fact, he shamed him and Americans for putting Johnson on the proverbial celebrity pedestal. Sterling referred to Johnson's now well-documented promiscuous habits as a player. Sterling also shamed Johnson for contracting HIV, as if he is less of a person because he suffers from the disease.

For the record, Johnson has several charities for minorities in California and the rest of the United States. He also does extensive work for children and adults suffering from HIV.

Donald Sterling showed the world that he is exactly who he is accused of being. His remarks and beliefs are barbaric. Although I protect and believe in his right to privacy and free speech, and acknowledge the fact that no matter how big of a racist Sterling is, he has generously employed many African Americans over the years, it's true that some things are better off left unsaid. In Sterling's case, he did himself and his case zero justice by speaking so frankly on national television.

The controversial, Politically Correct Boulevard is a dangerous road to travel. It should be difficult, or impossible, to take one's property from them because of words they uttered in their own home. Yet in the case of Donald Sterling, perhaps we should take it all away.

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