In “an extraordinary television interview that deepened the anger over his ownership of the Clippers, Donald Sterling attacked Lakers great Magic Johnson, suggested that African Americans have not done enough to help their community and blamed the media for creating the turmoil that envelops his team and his family” (L.A. TIMES, 5/13). NBC’s “Today” led with Sterling and reported he “appeared out of touch” (“Today,” NBC, 5/13). Sterling's "erratic, strange performance" gave the "impression of somebody who was not mentally clicking on all cylinders” (VARIETY.com, 5/12)
Among Sterling’s comments:
“What does he do for the black people? He doesn't do anything …. Can you tell me, big Magic Johnson, what has he done?"
“Here is a man who is – I don't know if I [should] say this. He acts so holy. I mean, he made love to every girl in every city in America. And he had AIDS."
"The players don’t hate me, the sponsors don’t hate me, the fans don’t hate me. It’s all the media pushing it. … The media hates."
L.A. TIMES P1 header: “Contrite, Defiant Sterling Only Fuels Further Outrage.”
Meanwhile, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement around 10:00pm ET yesterday to apologize to Johnson as “he continues to be dragged into this situation and be degraded by such a malicious and personal attack.” Johnson is scheduled to appear on Anderson Cooper’s “360” today to offer his reaction (THE DAILY).
Magic Johnson on his Twitter feed last night wrote, "I'd rather be talking about these great NBA Playoffs than Donald Sterling's interview. ... After this week, no more Sterling talk. Just the NBA Playoffs, my @Dodgers and my @LA_Sparks!" (TWITTER.com, 5/12).
Clippers coach Doc Rivers said of the interview, "Whatever it is, that doesn’t sound like much of an apology to me" (ESPNLA.com, 5/12).
The network morning shows all featured Sterling’s CNN interview prominently. “CBS This Morning” and “Today” both led with it; ABC's "GMA" had it as its second story (THE DAILY).
