by STEPHEN PISZAR Staff Writer
By now, everybody knows the story of Donald Sterling, the 80-year-old owner of the Los Angeles Clippers who was banned from any NBA events for life and fined 2.5 million dollars after a taped phone call between Sterling and his mistress was leaked to the public. One of the most hated people in sports now has the audacity to try to sue the NBA.
He believes that the NBA is treating him unfairly by banning and fining him, plus forcing him to sell the Clippers. Sterling believes, as Americans, we have the freedom of speech. While this is true, you cannot spew these racist slurs as the owner of a predominately black team.
“After all that Sterling has said, what does he think he is doing? He is not being treated unfairly. There is no debate he is guilty. What is his argument, he didn’t mean it?” said freshman Akash Patel.
Starling’s argument is that the league violated his constitutional rights by relying information from an “illegal” recording that publicized racist remarks he made to a mistress. In the recording, Sterling is caught saying nasty things about African-Americans, particularly referencing former NBA player Magic Johnson and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp.
He also argues that the league committed a breach of contract by fining Sterling $2.5 million, and that it violated antitrust laws by trying to force Sterling to sell the Clippers.
Sterling is right. NBA commissioner Adam Silver just cannot fine or suspend Sterling, which is covered in the rules and regulations regarding conduct of the league’s 30 owners.
Furthermore, in California is it illegal to tape a phone call without the consent of all parties.
Though it is not illegal for Sterling to speak his mind, he cannot say things like that. Saying Johnson is a bad role model for children and not allowing his mistress to post pictures of herself with other black people, even though she is part black herself, is not acceptable.
“The way he talks about black people is horrible, especially as the owner of a mostly black team in a mostly black league,” said freshman Simon Eluwa.
Although Sterling may win the lawsuit and will not have to pay the fine, which the NBA will not withdraw, Sterling will still be banned and most likely have to sell the team.
“Sterling should try to save some face, though. He is not being persecuted. He deserves the hate he receives. He is lucky that nobody has beat him up yet for the things he has said,” said freshman John Monaco.
While Sterling does have a chance to save himself from paying the fine, he still should reconsider taking it to court. The NBA has stated they are prepared to counter sue Sterling. The 2.5 million dollar fine would not even put a dent in Sterling’s bank account, but he should quit while he is ahead.
What do you think? Should Sterling try to sue the NBA or should he just pay the fine and face the consequences for his disgusting slurs?
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