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L.A. Clippers Owner Allegedly Makes Racist Remarks Against Black People
Aired April 26, 2014 - 20:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Hello, everyone. Top of the hour. I'm Don Lemon. You are in the CNN NEWSROOM.
We are going to continue our coverage to this hour of the story that is sweeping through the sports world, the professional sports world of basketball, it really sweeping through the entire country. It is also a story that goes far beyond sports.
And right now, we are awaiting a news conference by the NBA news commissioner, Adam Silver. He is expected to asked about a controversy swirling around the owner of the L.A. Clippers, Donald Sterling. And as we have been reporting for several hours now, the NBA is investigating recorded remarks allegedly made by the Clippers owner.
The comments obtained by the web site, TMZ includes a voice that disparaging African-American and it also tells a woman, apparently his girlfriend, to stop bringing African-Americans to Clippers games.
CNN's Paul Vercammen is in Los Angeles where this controversy first erupted.
And Paul, give us more details about these recordings.
PAUL VERCAMMEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Don, let's get to the recording. We pick it up in a spot where a voice, allegedly Sterling's, seems to be defending himself after his girlfriend is told reportedly is quote "stop hanging out with or associating with black people."
Let's take a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD STERLING, OWNER, L.A. CLIPPER: Stop talking about them. Let's finish our discussion for the period, OK. You are not making any good points. You can't believe this man.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You're not making any --
STERLING: I'm not a good person in your eyes. If I was a good person, you would say I can't believe this, not believe that which are all lies.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Look at all these negativity coming from -- STERLING: There's no negativity. I'm just saying in your lousy (bleep) Instagram, you don't have to have yourself walking with black people. You don't have to. If you want to, do it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VERCAMMEN: Now, the Clippers have issued a statement. They said that we have heard the tape on TMZ. We do not know if it's legitimate or has been altered. But Don, as you pointed out repeatedly, in no way that they say that this is definitely not the voice of the owner, Donald Sterling.
LEMON: I just -- Paul, every time I hear that recording, again, I know it has to be authenticated. There are no words, really to -- I don't understand where he's coming from. I don't think most people do. Maybe it's a control thing or maybe he's a blatant racist. I don't know or both. But it is just interesting to listen to that.
And also, so that's a statement -- again, that's from the Clippers. But again, as you say, they are not saying it's not his voice on that. Any reaction beyond that, Paul?
VERCAMMEN: Well, what's interesting is Magic Johnson was drawn into all of this, as you may have heard. On this tape, allegedly Sterling's voice, he reprimands his girlfriend for hanging out with Magic Johnson.
The Clippers also issued a statement about that saying his long considered magic friend of Sterling. And they had admiration for him over terms of who he is and what he achieved. And then they said that the Clippers are now investigating all this as is the NBA. And we are going to hear from the NBA, shortly, as you know, Don.
LEMON: OK. So, Paul, remember, we were talking the NAACP, the truth is stranger than fiction, right. Because of this -- we are confirming this. I'm on the NAACP Los Angeles Web site. And it talks about its upcoming event in Los Angeles, Thursday May 15th, celebrates its 100th anniversary. And the person who is mentioned on here to get a lifetime achievement award, lifetime achievement award, Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. The truth often -- the truth is often stranger than fiction. We can't write this stuff.
Paul Vercammen, thank you very much. We appreciate that.
We are going to be hearing a lot tonight from coach of the Clippers Doc Rivers. Here is what he said just a little awhile ago. Take a listen to this.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE REPORTER: I'm sure you were made aware of the comments by Donald Sterling.
DOC RIVERS, CLIPPERS COACH: Yes.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE REPORTER: Wondering your thoughts and if you were surprised?
RIVERS: I don't know if I'm surprised or not. I didn't like the comments, obviously. I'm going to tell you now, I'm speaking on behalf of the team. So, the players now are not going to deal with this issue.
We had a great team meeting this morning about it. A lot of guys voiced their opinions. None of them were happy about it. This is a situation where we are trying to go after something very important for us. Something that we all dreamed about all our childhoods.
And you know, Donald or anyone else had nothing to do with that dream, and we are not going to let anything get in the way of those things. As far as the comments, you know, we are not happy with any of them, but we are going to let the due process, everything get handled. And that situation will be dealt with later.
Right now, our goals haven't changed. Our focus is on golden state and it's going to stay on golden state.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEMON: So earlier, I talked about the Sterling controversy with TNT analyst and basketball hall of famer, Charles Barkley.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CHARLES BARKLEY, BASKETBALL HALL OF FAMER (via phone): This is not the first time. He's obviously settled some lawsuits where he was discriminating in his real estate business against blacks and Hispanics. So, this is typical. He's done it before. So, he has to be suspended by the NBA.
This is the first major test from Adam Silver, our new commissioner. That you can't have an owner NBA team disparaging black people. Because the majority of players are black. And also, anytime you are in a position of power, you can hire and fire people, you can't be racist. So the NBA has to address this. And in my opinion, he has to be suspended, plain and simple.
LEMON: Yes. And you notice on the statement that I read. He said he's sorry for that it was attributed to him. But he doesn't say it's not me. He is not saying -- you know, he never said the statement.
BARKLEY: But Don, not just that, he has -- this is a guy who settled lawsuits for discrimination in the past. So, he's par for course, to be honest with you. You know, the NBA let him off the hook in his real estate business when discriminating against blacks and Hispanics. They should have said something then. But -- so, this is habitual, this is not the first time, this is like the third or fourth time. And this is the first time somebody says something about black players, but he is always discriminating in his real estate business.
So the NBA, Adam Silver, has to address this. And I feel bad for the players, too, because they are caught in no man's land. They are working for a guy who is an idiot. And now, they are going to have to (INAUDIBLE) they are going to say (INAUDIBLE) and they have to be able to one of their big games. It's tough with the golden state warriors. The day before a big game, they have this stuff.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: That was Charles Barkley responding to this controversy not long ago here on CNN.
We are on the air now because at the bottom of the hour, Adam Silver of the NBA, the NBA commissioner is going to make a statement. He's going to address the press. Not sure if he's going to talk about this, but I'm sure there will questions. Questions will be given to him about this particular controversy. And we'll see what he has to say, if anything, coming up at the bottom of the hour.
In the meantime, on the other side of this short break, our expert panel will weigh in on this controversy, what should happen with Donald Sterling? What should happen with the Clippers? What should happen in the league? We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN.
LEMON: Welcome back, everyone.
I want to tell you that we are awaiting a news conference by NBA commissioner, Adam Silver to happen. It happens at the bottom of the hour. It was already -- previously slated before this controversy started. He wasn't expected to talk about this. but since they are having the press conference, and it is going on, it is expected that he will fill some questions about this controversy going on with the Clippers and with the owner, Donald Sterling.
We'll delve into that at the bottom of the hour. Just as soon as it starts, we will carry it live for you.
Meantime, two people we like to turn to on issues like this, contributors Ben Ferguson and LZ Granderson, two analysts who also happen sports t be fans as well.
So LZ, you know, you made a great point earlier about NBA stars, and so did you, Ben, both of you. NBA stars, white and black, frankly, they choose to play for Clippers knowing full well that their owner had made insensitive comments in the past, even before now. Is it all about money and winning, do you think LZ?
LZ GRANDERSON, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: Well, I mean he's made more than insensitive comments. He's done, you know, outwardly racist things, you know. So, we are not just talking about just as some, as Charles Barkley said, some idiot saying something. He is actually uses the power of authority to enforce the racist beliefs that he has. So, it's just -- it is more than just rhetoric.
With that being said, you know, you mentioned the NAACP is set to give him a lifetime achievement award. You know, I just have one phrase to say, follow the money, you know. How much money is he donating to NAACP and now they are awarding him that in exchange for the money?
So, when I talk about turning blind eye to your own sense of morality in exchange for dollars, I'm not just focusing on the players. Again, I'm talking about any corporation with sponsorships with him. And you have to ask the NAACP, you knew he was a racist beforehand. You knew who he did beforehand, why is he getting a lifetime achievement award?
LEMON: I could not believe it until I saw the Web site. And he's still slated to be, hang on, I'm going to let you get in, I think it is May 5th in Los Angeles, 100th anniversary. And it goes on to talk about who is going to speak in the 2014 honorees. And then it says Donald Sterling, honor of the Los Angeles Clippers, lifetime achievement award. Go ahead, Ben.
BEN FERGUSON, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Don, you have to look at also following the money. This guys has been able to buy himself out of trouble. At the time, he has discriminatory practices with his apartment complexes. He is not wanting to actually rent to minorities. It was the largest settlement ever with the Justice Department at the time against anybody in the country. And this was the guy who did it, trying not to rent apparently to minorities. And that did not stop him from being able to continue with his team and the NBA having a tight relationship with him.
But I also say follow the money of the players and coaches here. The only people we are hearing that are now calling him out for what has happened and these comments are former players and people who don't have financial interests in the current game of playing basketball or working with this franchise. And I think that is a little bit cowardly because you don't have a lot to stand on if you are willing to take the guy's money.
The only people right now that are going to have an impact will be current players and coaches in the NBA. And I don't see anything happen on twitter right now from any player that may have to play for him.
And also, think about this. The guy didn't want to rent apartments to minorities. Why in the world would you continue a relationship with him with all the branding and everything else. And yes, he bought himself out of that one. And at the same time, that people that have a chance to stand-up now, I'm waiting for one of these NBA players, current players or coach to come up and call him out. And I don't think you are going to see it. It's early on.
GRANDERSON: It is early on. There have been tons of players. Kobe Bryant recently just tweeted I could not play for him. If you look at David West who is a former all star played for the Pacers, he took time right after the game and he went on ranting about the racist behavior of Donald Sterling.
And so, I think you are seeing a current player voice their opinion and then Doc Rivers did say that he is representing the team and the team was not pleased by comments. So I will support them, at least the NBA players vocalizing. But I'm about mobilizing, all right?. Rhetoric and tweets are one thing, but you got to need to put some action behind those words.
LEMON: Go ahead, Ben.
FERGUSON: The guys are still going to take contracts and they still play. I mean, Kobe Bryant has a special situation. There's no chance in Haiti he's going to play for the Clippers. We all know that. So for him to be able to tweet or say it now, it's obvious. I mean, it is not like he is going to play for the Clippers.
LEMON: But Lebron James --
GRANDERSON: Chris Paul.
LEMON: Lebron James says --
FERGUSON: Lebron James is not going there, either. I mean, Lebron James is not going there.
GRANDERSON: But they are calling out their friends. They are calling out their friends, that is power. Chris Paul is a friend to Kobe Bryant. He is a friend to Lebron James. And so, when they say I can't play or I would not play for this man, they are putting indirect pressures on their friends. And so, I agree with you. They are not going to play for the owner directly, but they are speaking to their colleagues and their peers and they are speaking to them in a very public fashion. And so, that is applying some level of pressure and accountability on the players.
FERGUSON: The NBA, though, ultimately, the NBA has got to step up here and make a serious example that this is not going to be tolerated in 2014. And if they don't with the new commissioner, this guy and anybody else like him is going to continue to do this. I mean, that's one of the issues the NBA has to start dealing with now is.
They have never done a very good job of policing owners. They police the coach, the refs, those people, but if it's an owner, is it kind of like well, we don't really touch him because he's one of ours. And I think they have to step up here.
LEMON: Listen --
GRANDERSON: But Ben, look at the other --
LEMON: Hold on LZ.
GRANDERSON: Go ahead.
LEMON: here is Lebron -- Rachel Nichols tweeted this out. A very strong from Lebron James. He says there's no room for Donald Sterling in our league. And Lebron adds on Sterling that new NBA commissioner, Adam Silver must do something fast before he gets out of hand.
So I mean, there are players, and again, it is early on. We must remember that this tape has not been authenticated yet. But, if it continues to go in the vain it is, and if you listen to the tape, it doesn't seem, you know, you don't hear any like squeaking. So, I'm not a --
FERGUSON: I like your audio there. That was nice.
LEMON: I'm not an audio expert like, you know, my friend who is -- this is Paul Ginsburg. But I mean, if you -- let's be honest here, Ben Ferguson, come on. Let's be real.
FERGUSON: Well, I mean, again, look at this. You say it's early on, I get that. but let's remember, the largest settlement ever, by the justice department on discrimination of renting apartments, this was the guy, the biggest settlement of the time, ever. And did we ever -- did the NBA then bat an eye at it and if the major players have gone to the Clippers organization, who are minorities, did they ever even from a moment think about not going there?
Those are the truly powerful players and the guys that wear a uniform. The fans, they are going to buy a ticket if they win no matter what the guy says. And that's pretty obvious. We have seen that. Minorities will go if they are winning. Winning is everything.
But if the players who can put a uniform on, choose to say, we are boycotting going to the Clippers, that could destroy a franchise in a couple seasons. They don't make the playoffs, and you know how that works from franchises that don't put a winning team on the floor. That tell you beat this guy. So, the players, active players are the only one that is can fix this.
LEMON: But don't you hurt the players by doing that, LZ?
FERGUSON: It's integrity. Do you take the money?
GRANDERSON: You know, first of all, the business model that Donald Sterling had actually been operating in has been losing in terms of records but he's been making money. So, you still can make a lot of money even with a losing franchise because he's proving to doing it decade after decade.
As far as your question is concerned, you know, I know we keep going back to the players. And absolutely, you are correct. The players themselves who go play for this man have some level of morality checking. But why would you do that for a known racist? But I'm not going to let --
FERGUSON: You are taking racist dollars.
GRANDERSON: But I'm not going to let the corporations off the hook, either. I'm not letting the NAACP off the hook either. We have a level of culpability if this because we have somewhat have allowed this person to continue on in this position and we haven't done anything to try to change that.
Now, I said it earlier and I'll say it again, follow the money. I'm sure he's good for business. And if that's the question, if that's the way it is, then, you know what, I really can't get that mad at Donald Sterling because he's doing his thing and no one is challenging him on it. LEMON: LZ, you are scaring a lot of people when you say follow the money because folks don't like that. You are opening up an entire can of worms here.
FERGUSON: It's a big market. L.A., big TV.
GRANDERSON: It's a huge market. And again, I mean, and I'm just going to quote NAACP out here. You need to get the president on the line and talk about how he pass --
LEMON: Took the words right out of my mouth.
I want to hear from the NAACP. And my team is working on that right now to figure out how in the world could you give this guy, who has a history of making comments like this a lifetime achievement award?
GRANDERSON: How much money?
FERGUSON: This is buying a plaque that you can put on the wall that says, look, guys, I'm really not a racist. I have a plaque from the NAACP saying I like black people. I mean, and NAACP should be ashamed of themselves for doing that.
LEMON: Oh, boy. Hang on guys. Don't go anywhere because that little box you see there, trying to cover up LZ. LZ, that box is about to knock you off the screen. It's just you. It is your eyeballs we can see. That is where the NBA commissioner is going to hold a press conference. It was previously scheduled, but we are going to take it live because he's about to field questions about this particular controversy.
LZ, I want to thank you. But before I let you go, just real quickly, before we go to break, What do you think he is going say? do you think he's going to address it, LZ? I don't have much time.
GRANDERSON: He has to address it. He can't avoid it. The question is, will he address it directly or will he be political with it? I have to verify the tape and give him a chance to speak about it.
LEMON: All right. Thank you, LZ. Appreciate it. LZ has to go. Ben, you will stick around. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: So, what should happen to L.A. Clippers owner, Donald Sterling. As we have been reporting, TMZ.com reports he has been caught on a recording making racist and insensitive comments? And earlier, I had a chance to talk about it with TNT analyst and basketball hall of famer, Charles Barkley.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARKLEY: He should get suspended. Even if the ceremonial, I'm not sure how much day-to-day involvement Donald Sterling has with the Clippers. But Adam Silver -- all our employees are black. I don't know the exact number, but 80 percent of our players are black. We are a black league. Just -- even at the ceremonial, he has to make a stand and suspend this guy, if it's authentic. Just let your players know, we aren't just property, even though we make a great living playing sports. All jobs make a great job playing sports. But we deserve respect and dignity.
So, Adam Silver has to make a stand. I'm going to respect my players. He has to make that stance, in my opinion.
LEMON: You know, I ask you what should happen after this. But then you said you are not surprised. You are not surprised when it comes to Donald Sterling or is this an issue in the league that other people in the league have had issues with this or problems or you have heard other people who feel this way?
BARKLEY: Well, first of all, no, I never heard an owner describe players -- first of all, players don't stand for that. Of course, racism is always going to exist. We are not idiots. I mean, racism always has existed and is always going to exist. I have always said it's like the greatest counselor of my lifetime, racism.
You know, being it in Alabama, you see it. I mean, anywhere in the country, you have to see it. But, you can't have a person in a position of power being a racist. They don't have minorities or women. It's obviously a negative for blacks, Hispanics and women. If it's not racist or sexist, it in piece -- a guy walk around in a sheet, they are just ignorant. But with you in a position of power and you cannot give minorities or women economic opportunity, that's where racism is.
Walking around calling people names, that just means you are ignorant. But when you are in a position of power, that's real racism. And let me tell you something, like I said earlier, here is a white guy, I know he has a lot of real estate and made a lot of money, but he's made a ton of money on black folk in that arena. He's made a ton of money on black guys running up and down that court and the NBA has to make a stance. They have to make a stance. So you can't disrespect our employees. You can't disrespect our employees. And this is a great test from Adam Silver.
And like I said, even if it's ceremonial, I don't think he goes to the office every day and makes basketball decisions. But as a force, the NBA has to come down on him and says you can't -- I don't know if they can make him sell his team, I don't know about that. But there has got to say you have to be suspended for an indefinite period of time, as a show to your black player.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEMON: Break it down, Charles Barkley. Preach. That's why I love to get Charles Barkley' perspective. You see that screen that we have there, that little screen to the right of your television? We are awaiting news conference from the NBA commissioner. He is expected to address this. It was a previously scheduled news conference, but of course, he'll be fielded questions and he has to talk to about this. You heard what LZ Granderson said. We'll have it live on the other side of this break. Don't go anywhere. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: OK, there it is, the podium. Empty -- it's not really a podium, it's a table and microphone. And that's where the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver is going to hold a news conference in just a moments, scheduled for 8:30. It's previously scheduled news conference. And it is expected that he will take questions regarding this controversy swirling around L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
The NBA is investigating these recordings allegedly made by Sterling. Remarks obtained by the Web site, TMZ. They feature a man's voice and that voice saying disparaging things about African-Americans and also tells a woman, who is apparently his girlfriend, to stop bringing African-Americans to the games and stop posting photos with African- American on social media.
CNN's Paul Vercammen is in Los Angeles where this controversy first erupted.
And Paul, the voice is reported to be Donald Sterling. It mentions one African-American by name, a prominent one in fact. Tell us about that.
VERCAMMEN: Let's get right to why, Don. Magic Johnson is now saying he will no longer attend Clippers games. Let's listen to the alleged voice of Donald Sterling.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I saw someone I admire. I admire Magic Johnson.
STERLING: OK, good.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm sorry. He's made a lot of changes for his community, for the world, for the people, for the minorities. He tells a lot of people --
STERLING: Why are you forcing this down my throat. I'm finished talking to you. I have nothing more to say.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I took a picture of someone I admired.
STERLING: Good.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: He happens to be black and I'm sorry.
STERLING: I think it's nice you admire him. I know him well and he should be admired. And I'm just saying it's too bad you can't admire him privately. Your entire (bleep) life, admire him, bring him here, feed him, I don't care. You can do anything. But don't put him on Instagram for the world to see so they have to call me. And don't bring him to my games, OK?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
VERCAMMEN: And Magic Johnson also tweeting today that this entire incident is a black eye for the NBA -- Don.
LEMON: Thank you, Paul. Appreciate it.
Ben Ferguson, did you hear that?
FERGUSON: Yes. How do you not suspend this guy?
LEMON: If it is, indeed, him.
FERGUSON: If it is, indeed, him. OK. Let's hypothetically say for a second, maybe it's him. How in the world do you not suspend him? More importantly than that, do we really think that if this wasn't him, he wouldn't be coming out right now and the organization saying this is a fake tape? You wouldn't want it playing over and over and over again if you didn't have a connection to it.
My point is, the NBA is about to walk out. What example are they going to make for the country and there's a big decision here, in my opinion. You have a lot of African-American young men that love basketball and they love and they want to dream of being an NBA player. Do you basically say, you know what? You may get to do that one day, but we are going to have a racist owner we do not suspend or, and choose the money, are we going to set an example you actually have to have integrity in life and we are not going to associate with people and allow them to act this way in private or in public while you are paying your hard earned money to sit in the nosebleed sections in the 300s, maybe once or twice a year for your birthday present that your dad working two jobs went and bought you. Because there's a lot of NBA fans that are minorities and their parents work hard to get them tickets to see the people they idolize. And this is the guy they are paying the cash to. If the NBA doesn't suspend him, I'm sorry, I think it's a disgrace of they don't and I'm mad about it.
LEMON: OK. So here is a thing. Some people just won't believe reality. I have people in social media going there is no way that he was going to get a lifetime achievement award from the NAACP, it's not an official event.
Put up the invitation, people, if you have it. There is the invitation. And it is from the NAACP Los Angeles' Web site. It says Los Angeles in NAACP. There's a dinner Tuesday, May 15th. If you scroll down and go to the next picture on that Web site, it says lifetime achievement award, Donald Sterling, owner of -- there you go, please scroll down, and you know, the Manhattans are going to be playing. There it is right there, 2014 honorees. First up, annual person of the year award, the Reverend Al Sharpton, Mayor Eric Garcetti, lifetime achievement award Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.
FERGUSON: Well, you might as well call it, I'm not a racist award. I mean, hello. I'm not a racist black. I've got a plaque to prove it. So I can say anything I want to.
LEMON: But in order for just -- for some people to believe, this is I said that the truth is stranger than fiction here. You have to hit them over the head with it. That is the official NAACP Los Angeles Web site. There is the invitation. It is real people.
And guess what, the NAACP has responded. And I'm going to read it for you on the air.
NAACP respond to the alleged statement by Clippers' owner. California state conference of the NAACP has issued the following statement in response to the alleged remarks by Clippers' owner Donald Sterling. From Alice Huffman, the president of NAACP California State.
If these alleged allegations are proven true, we are extremely disappointed in Mr. Sterling, stated Alice, president of NAACP. Recent remarks like these and those by Cliven Bundy remind us that the racism is not a footnote in our past, but a reality of our present that we must confront head on. He talks about the NAACP continue with five years fight against cultural bigotry. Investigation is in progress. We urge the L.A. NAACP to withdraw Donald Sterling from the honoree list at its upcoming gala. We also suggest that African- Americans and Latinos should honor his request and not attend the game.
OK. So there you go. So the NAACP was going to give him an award. It's true. It's official. Now, they are withdrawing that. And they are asking people hey, listen. Do exactly what Donald Sterling said, don't go to the games. Ben Ferguson?
FERGUSON: Don, look at the corruption here, though, that also I think this is exposed. This guy had already been busted for not wanting to rent apartments to minorities, and yet, he was able to buy access to the NAACP to get a, I'm not a racist plaque to put on his wall.
The only reason, why right now they are saying you are not going to come anymore is because this is now bad press for them. The other story which affected people's lives of actually where they were going to live, they were willing to accept that. So should a guy that has that much money be able to buy his access to the NAACP which obviously did? Because this is not the worst thing he ever said. Let's put it in perspective. This is not close to what he was doing to minority families that actually were wanting to live in an apartment.
So, to the point that justice department got involved with it, that's a fact. This is a tape. And I think that is one of the things LZ said earlier is he wasn't shocked or overwhelmed by this or surprised because we all knew this was the guy long before the tape came out today.
LEMON: Ben, Ferguson, don't go anywhere. We are going to need you for the press conference that about to happen from the NBA commissioner. Don't miss it. We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: OK, well there you go. That's where the NAACP -- excuse me, the NBA commissioner is supposed to have a briefing, a previously scheduled briefing. But now that this has happened, we are expecting him to talk about the controversy involving L.A. Clippers owner, Donald Sterling. And so, there it is. We are going to bring it to you live.
Usually, they start pretty much on time. It supposed to happen at 8:30. But I would imagine getting his ducks in a row, this is the first real test as the NBA commissioner. And the reason we mention the NAACP is because Donald Sterling is supposed to get an award, a lifetime achievement award in May from the NAACP in Los Angeles. Now, they have withdrawn that award and said no, it's not going to happen and asking people to really take Donald Sterling's lead, black people, as he said and not go to the games.
So joining me now, Ben Ferguson, of course, a CNN commentator and Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report and NBA national columnist.
So, let's talk about this, Kevin. I want to go to you first. And since this happened, this is going crazy on social media. It is the talk of the sports world and beyond.
KEVIN DING, NBA NATIONAL COLUMNIST, BLEACHER REPORT (via phone): Yes, it is amazing. I mean, I actually I'm based in L.A. So locally, the amazing thing is it's not a huge shock to people who follow the NBA and follow the Clippers and know Donald Sterling's history a little bit. I mean, this has been sort of in a background with him for years and years. And it's just one of those issues where it's, you know, unfortunately more convenient for people to not keep it in the forefront, just go about their business. And now you see, you know, something happens, triggers it and everybody understands how wrong this is.
Everybody is angry and upset about it. Ad it's embarrassing for anybody associated with the Clippers or NBA to have this happen.
LEMON: Yes. So you said in Los Angeles, this is not a well kept secret, everybody knows, right?
DING: Yes. Yes. I mean, I think it's -- it's unfortunately, it's not, you know, the type of thing where your average guy is going to go read, you know, the details of court filings or court transcripts from lawsuits that Donald sterling has been involved with his real estate, but it's much easier when you have an article in TMZ and, you know, little snippets on twitter these days. It's a different world now. And you see how quickly things build momentum. And you know, one woman pushes this rock forward and now you see, you know, everybody understands. Everybody wants to get a part of how absurd this whole thing is.
LEMON: Does everyone -- is people out there aware of the relationship between Donald Sterling and, you know, the young lady who is allegedly on this tape, who is sitting next to him by the way on the video you see and she is, I think she's half Hispanic and black. And she said she is mixed. Are they aware of that relationship? Is that something that is talk about there?
DING: Not so much. You know, I mean, I have been to the Clippers playoff games in the past week or so. And he's there. He's got a courtside seat right there. Mid court near the national TV broadcaster's table. So, it will be interesting to see what happens because they have a game scheduled for Tuesday night at Staples center against the Golden State warriors. And you have to think that the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver might have something to say here shortly about whether Donald is going to be welcome even at his own game, you know, much less whether he's welcoming other people.
But he's sort of, you know, the owner of the team, but, even Clippers fans understand that he's a bit of an embarrassment. You know, his reputation has been the owner, is not that good as far as, you know, trying to bring a winning team to town. And so, you know, he's sort of a bit of a black sheep. And now, you see something like this, something as big as this brought to the forefront. And unfortunately for Clippers fans, you know, their team is pretty good these days. But it's kind of embarrassing to be associated with them right now.
LEMON: I know. It is really interesting because you know the Lakers -- the Clippers are doing better than the Lakers, right, for the season, is that correct?
DING: Absolutely, yes. I mean, the Lakers had the worst season they ever had in Los Angeles Lakers history. And the Clippers are still going and have a promising playoff ongoing. You know, locally, the Lakers are still by far the prominent, dominant team.
LEMON: Right.
DING: But you know, Clippers fans, this has been a time for them. They have star players in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin and a big time coach in Doc Rivers. All people who suddenly, you know, are trying to win a championship. And now, they have to deal with this thing that their owner, apparently has caused them, and it's a huge distraction. It's unfortunate for them, too.
LEMON: Yes. They used to be known as it has other team and hardly got attention, you know, overshadowed by the Lakers, not so much anymore. This, you know, they are overshadowing the Lakers and many other teams, but not in a way they want.
So listen, if this was something that everyone knew about, right, and then didn't want to deal with in Los Angeles. The players certainly knew, the coaches knew. How much of an onus, you know, because LZ Granderson and Ben Ferguson have both been saying what they call racist money. They are taking racist money. They knew about this. They know, clearly, right?
DING: Yes. It puts everybody, you know, in an awkward position in the Clippers organization. You know, even Kobe Bryant, you know, the Lakers came out and tweeted, you know, I couldn't play for him. And so, that puts pressure on these guys like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin who, you know, are sort of victims in the situation that something has been done to them. And now everybody is asking them to step forward and, you know, write this, which is a little bit unfair, you know.
At this point, it's more something the NBA needs to deal with before the NBA players association. You know, Chris Paul is actually the president of that. So, it's a tough spot for him. Before those guys get involved, I think we need see what the NBA has planned. The fact that Adam Silver is coming out quickly and he is going to talk about this is an indication. He takes it very seriously.
The thing is, this could be a long, drown out process. It's not easy to remove a guy from owning his own team. You know, we are not talking a player or coach or any other employee here. We are talking about the guy who owns the team.
LEMON: Yes.
DING: Sop to take that away is a legal issue too.
LEMON: go Ahead quickly, Ben. Because I want to get your reaction on something else.
FERGUSON: Don, I mentioned, that is why I think it's so important for the NBA to come out and be stern on this because I mean, what are you going to have Chris Paul or Blake Griffin say don't come watch us during the playoffs? You can't put that burden on them. It is a player with the team and obviously, I mean, they can't go out and lose on purpose, for example. And so, that's where the NBA has got to step up and do this today.
LEMON: OK. So more on this. And I want Kevin, I don't know if Kevin wants to weigh in on this. But we have been talking the Los Angeles NAACP. And so, this is from the Hollywood reporting, and this is not our reporting. Again, the NAACP responded in Los Angeles.
But according to the Hollywood reporter said the NAACP previously honored Sterling with the life achievement award 2009, as well as the NAACP president award in 2008. Ahead of this 2009 honor, the NAACP had Leon Jenkins (ph) praised Sterling to "the Los Angeles Times," even as the mogul was being accused of racism in a lawsuit from the Clippers general manager and NBA hall of famer Elgin Baylor. He has a unique history of giving to the children of L.A. Jenkins said of Sterling at the time. Adding that Sterling routinely gave 2,000 to 3,000 tickets to local youth for each Clippers home games. The NAACP did not respond or request comment from the Hollywood reporter.
Sp people knew about this and even in light of that, he was getting rewards. And I'm sure some people he has done some good, at least, I don't know -- what do you think of that?
FERGUSON: Don, is it him doing the good or is it the franchise of the Los Angeles Clippers knowing you have to be involved in your community and some sort of philanthropic way to endure yourself to the community?
I highly doubt this guy said, hey, I want to go give away 3,000 tickets to inner city youth. I promise you, he was far away from it. And then the other thing, the NAACP should be ashamed of themselves and they should be embarrassed because they knew all this was going on. And they continued to award him. Why? Because money buys access. And the NAACP liked having a relationship with the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers and the access, I'm sure, to the games and the organization and the players. And they were willing to look and turn a blind eye to true racism. Even though they are supposed to be the ones calling it out and they are willing to give a plaque to a guy so he doesn't look like a racist to the community. The NAACP right now is just as embarrassing, I think, as the owner is for going along with the shenanigan for the last decade.
LEMON: Kevin, you want to respond to that?
DING: You look that type of stuff, the politics of it, you know, these fund-raisers or whatever. I mean, that's a different world than, you know, what the guy really believes privately or even what guys within the Clippers organization understand about the owner of the team.
I mean, you know, you saw Baron Davis, who is one of the prominent Clippers player of the past came out and tweeted early today. That's the way it is. He is honest about what he believes in. And it is been going on a long time. That's what Baron tweeted out.
And so, you know, it's not a surprise. It is just unfortunately one of the things that, you know, with everything going on, it's just not something you just have on your plate all the time. And now that it's in front of all of us, it's impossible to ignore.
LEMON: Boy. Where do we go from here, guys, in the back room, the control room? You want to keep going or we are going to take a break.
OK. So guys, stick around. Don't go anywhere. We are awaiting news conference you can see there, that little mini screen here on the bottom of the screen. We are awaiting a press conference from the NBA commissioner where he's late. But surely, he has to address this. He has to, one would think, in some way. We'll carry it for you right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: OK. There we are. We are awaiting the NBA commissioner. And we will carry that for you live.
But I want to play more of my conversation with Charles Barkley when he talked about, you know, this man and what he also said about Magic Johnson and Magic Johnson's response. Let's listen to Charles Barkley.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: Magic said he and Cookie, his wife, in a tweet, he said I will never go to a Clippers game again as long as Donald Sterling is the owner. This will have an impact for the Clippers and far beyond.
BARKLEY: Well, and that's (INAUDIBLE) why the NBA has to address it. Because it's really not fair for the L.A. Clippers just because their owner is an idiot, it has nothing to do with the players. The players are going to feel, obviously, the ramifications. And that's the sad thing. The Clippers have a terrific thing. They got a really good shot in winning an NBA championship. But, this guy brings a negative light on the team. And I understand -- I understand Magic and I completely agree.
And think about it, though, Don. If he's going to talk bad about Magic Johnson, what would he think about a normal black person?
LEMON: The average black person. He's an icon.
BARKLEY: Go ahead, I'm sorry.
LEMON: He's talking about an icon, a trail blazer.
BARKLEY: Not just that. A very successful black man. A very, very successful black man. Can you imagine how he would treat a normal black person if they came to get a job for him or something like that? If you got to despair as a great Magic Johnson -- and that's the point I want to make. It's a dangerous thing. Because this guy is in a position to hire and fire people.
So, a normal black person can't get a job from him if he thinks that lowly or somebody who is greater than Magic Johnson, they will never do a regular person trying to get a job with this guy.
LEMON: Yes. And there there's a lot going on here. Let's just talk here, Charles. A lot of people are saying, I'm not surprised. This is, you know, a rich white guy from a certain era. I'm not surprised that he made the remarks.
Listen. In some ways, I have to say I'm not surprised, but I am because this is -- I am in some way because it's over people, when it comes to racism. It's over. Look at the world. Look at the demographics of the country. All he has to do is sit in the stadium, and look around and he will see that.
LEMON: But Don -- but see the problem is a lot of black guys made him rich. You think about that. Those black players, not just now, those black players for however long he's on this Clippers, they made him rich. Yes, I know he made a lot of money in real estate, but those black players run up and down the court made him a lot of money. He does owe them respect and dignity. Those guys made him rich.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LEMON: Sir Charles Barkley responding to this controversy on CNN a short time ago. There is that press conference. We are awaiting the NBA commissioner. As soon as he steps up, we'll carry it for you. Back after a quick break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LEMON: So, this press conference was supposed to start at 8:30. It's almost 9:00, just a couple of seconds away and still no sign of the NBA commissioner. The new NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, his first real test as commissioner to talk about the controversy surrounding the L.A. Clippers owner, Donald Sterling and alleged remarks that were recorded by the woman, allegedly this woman right here who is his girlfriend who is mixed saying don't bring black people to the game and you shouldn't photographed with them and put it on social media.
So we will continue to wait for this press conference. In the meantime, though, it is -- when it starts we will bring it to you. but we are going to go to Anthony Bourdain and as soon as -- again, this starts, we will bring it you here on CNN. I will see you soon.
