The Los Angeles Clippers went through a change in ownership in 2014. Steve Ballmer is the successor of Donald Sterling, who has received a permanent ban from the NBA. The NBA levied a $2.5 million fine and started an investigation into alleged racist comments made by the owner to his ex-girlfriends. Michael Jordan, who himself is a part owner of a franchise in the NBA, shared his views on this ordeal.
Michael Jordan was beyond outraged as the former Clippers owners’ alleged remarks were said to be offensive to the African American community. He believed that the comments were unacceptable and had faith in the NBA and Adam Silver to find the right solution to this issue.?
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Michael Jordan is not someone that enjoys staying in the public eye. Moreover, with the severity of this situation and as a fellow owner in the NBA, he felt that he must speak out and voice his opinions. Recently, he pledged $1 million to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.?
In 2014, the Chicago Bulls star spoke about the alleged racist comments by Donald Sterling. Further, Sterling’s wife Shelly sold the team for $2 billion, and Steve Ballmer assumed the reigns of the franchise afterward. Sterling received a ban from the NBA in 2014 and sold his franchise soon after that.
Michael Jordan publicly speaks about Donald Sterling and his ban
Michael Jordan has somewhat renounced his celebrity status as he barely remains in the public eye. Furthermore, in 2014 he went against his low-key persona by publicly addressing the Los Angeles Clippers and Donald Sterling ordeal.
Michael Jordan said,?”As an owner, I’m obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views ? 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 ? In a league where the majority of players are African-American, we cannot and must not tolerate discrimination at any level.”
There's some black people on this app that want Michael Jordan to be a sociopolitical leader for the black community. pic.twitter.com/xrJhxyKl4w
— Hotep Jesus (@HotepJesus) May 4, 2020
The Charlotte Hornets?owner’s comments were from a capacity of being a franchise owner in the NBA and an advocate of African-American rights.
Magic Johnson addresses the Sterling situation
Jordan is not the only player to address this situation. Magic Johnson, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, addressed the ordeal as well. ESPN covered Magic Johnson’s comments on Donald Sterling and the LA Clippers.
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As part of their 10-year, $100 Million pledge to impact the Black community, Jordan Brand & Michael Jordan have launched their 1st “Community Grants” cycle, providing a total of $1 Million in grants.
Organizations can apply over the next 30 days here: https://t.co/Md7kGatMfs pic.twitter.com/AWRKWn31uK
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) March 31, 2021
Magic said, “He shouldn’t own a team anymore; I had a friendship with him. So for him to then make these comments, or alleged comments, about myself as well as other African-Americans and minorities, there’s no place in our society for it.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Who is Kurt Busch and how did Michael Jordan inspire his NASCAR victory?
Moreover, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were visibly furious and upset with the situation.?
