Donald Sterling faced universal condemnation from members of the media and Hollywood on Saturday, following the release by TMZ of a nine minute tape in which the LA Clippers owner admonishes his girlfriend for publicly associating with black people.
Magic Johnson, whom Sterling targeted in the rant, has pledged to never attend a Clippers game so long as their current ownership stays in place, and Snoop Dogg minced no words in an expletive-laden Instagram post directed at Sterling earlier on Saturday.
Also read: LA Clippers Owner Caught Asking His Girlfriend to Not Bring Black People to Games, NBA Investigating
As the afternoon wore on, more people made their opinions known, including the former NBA stars that serve as commentators on TNT’s coverage of the NBA.
“You can’t have this guy making statements like that,” Charles Barkley said. “He has to suspend him and fine him immediately. The problem I have with it is, if someone wants to be racist, that’s alright, that’s their thing. But when you’re in a position of power and you can take jobs and economic opportunity from people, that’s what crosses the line. You cannot have an NBA discriminating — we’re a black league.”
During a conversation about whether the current Clippers team should play in its next playoff game, Shaquille O’Neal was firmly on the side of taking the court. “As a player, they should not let this stop them or discourage them from trying to win a championship,” O’Neal, who won four NBA titles, said.
Also read: Snoop Dogg Sends Message for ‘Chickens—t Motherf—er’ LA Clippers Owner
Below, find reactions from others, including NBA MVP LeBron James “Anchorman” director and Clippers’ season ticket holder, Adam McKay.
Racism is a refuge to ignorance. Sterling has shown his primitive uneducated thoughts.It’s a shame the only thing u are rich in is money.
Very strong from LeBron James: “There’s no room for Donald Sterling in our league.”
– Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) April 26, 2014
— Kenny Smith (@TheJetOnTNT) April 26, 2014
It’s a shame. Because I love the Clippers team and players. But can’t give a dime to Sterling. #BoycottClippers — Adam McKay (@GhostPanther) April 26, 2014
Hard to ignore anymore. Donald Sterling, owner of Clippers is a massive racist. Ill be giving up my season tix. #ClippersOwnerIsaRacist — Adam McKay (@GhostPanther) April 26, 2014
I always wondered how Cliven Bundy had such good seats at The Clipper games. — Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) April 26, 2014
Next wave of news is a stream of these owners all saying they don’t share Sterlings beliefs.Lmao all the NBA can do is fine him for …money — Chuck D (@MrChuckD) April 26, 2014
USArs worship of the dying $ & fame for no reason allows a Sterling to swing a racist sword to the masses.Money buys USA respect jus ask Rap — Chuck D (@MrChuckD) April 26, 2014
The silence of black athletes now eeks out through tweets & hence the agents & the leagues want to silence them into being powerless eunuchs — Chuck D (@MrChuckD) April 26, 2014
I’m sorta glad when these assholes make it clear where they stand.
— John Legend (@johnlegend) April 26, 2014
It’s very easy to hit sterling where it hurts. Just don’t watch
— John Legend (@johnlegend) April 26, 2014
#SterlingMustGo RT @StarvinMarvel: @clarkgregg Getting tough to hand Donald Sterling your money, ain’t it? — Clark Gregg (@clarkgregg) April 26, 2014
A new audiotape of Sterling apparently making the remarks surfaced Sunday via the web site Deadspin. It’s more clear, and six minutes longer than the version that surfaced on TMZ Saturday: