Sterling Asks Why Black Women Have Children Out of Wedlock

by moKi on Nov 9, 2009 5:02 PM PST Comment 63 comments

I guess DTS figured that Aldridge, being black himself (and a journalist?), would know the answer to why so many black women have children out of wedlock.

How does a person, who openly asks that kind of question to a journalist be allowed to own a team made up of mostly black men who may or may not have been born to unwed black women?

I don't pretend to have a relationship with Sterling. I have spoken to him on a handful of occasions, but one has always given me pause. When the Clippers, briefly, resembled an actual NBA team and made the playoffs in 2006, I was at Staples Center and saw Sterling in the press room. We exchanged pleasantries. Soon after, he asked me, out of the blue, in a way reflecting strong conviction and wild ignorance, why I thought so many black women had children out of wedlock.

Well, at least he asked.

The full story is in the section titled "Nobody Asked Me, But ..." on NBA.com (It's about halfway down a really long page. Keep scrolling down)

David Aldridge makes the point that the NBA should suspend or somehow penalize DTS for his alleged racially discriminatory actions and speech.

People keep complaining but will the NBA ever do anything about DTS?

If the Clippers had a "better" owner, would the team be more successful?

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That’s just incredibly stupid, but then again…this is Donald Sterling we’re talking about here. It’s just like him to say something that insensitive. As a black man myself, and had a single mother while growing up…I do feel pretty offended.

by Shawn H on Nov 9, 2009 5:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

This will be fun

“It is time for Stern to do the right thing, again, and remind everyone that being associated with the NBA is not some inheritance handed down from one generation to another…”

My understanding was Sterling bought the team himself. What a strange line to include. I mean, Sterling’s parents were immigrants and he attended Cal State LA. Seems like humble enough beginnings. Appears to be a self-made man.

So Aldridge, I would ask you. Why this shot about owning an NBA being an inheritance? Almost feels like your own racism in there somewhere to me.

by John R on Nov 9, 2009 5:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Well at least we know John R's politics

As noted below, this is not the correct forum to discuss such issues. Having said that, the issue you chose to raise says alot about you. Is that all you have to say about the state of racism in America? A defense of DTS’ incredibly tactless comments based on the author’s supposed reverse racism against white people? If you want a primer on the history of blacks in America I’d be happy to provide it to you. The fact that some black people might be sensitive about the issue doesn’t mean they’re racist. But it does raise questions about those who are quick to call them so.

by Jax on Nov 9, 2009 7:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Read what was written...

John R’s post, while perhaps beside the point, was in no way a defense of DTS, so don’t call it that.

In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd

by Steve Perrin on Nov 9, 2009 11:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure it was

by Jax on Nov 10, 2009 12:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Solid argument Jax

Explain how it is a defense of Sterling. It is, very clearly, a criticism of Adande’s closing, which refers to an inheritance being handed down, which clearly is not applicable to Sterling. Again, beside the point, we could probably criticize other things in Adande’s writing. But you called it “A defense of DTS’ incredibly tactless comments.” It is not. He did not mention, in any way, Sterling’s comment.

Feel free to explain your position, hopefully with something better than ‘Sure it was.’

In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd

by Steve Perrin on Nov 10, 2009 9:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I can take this one

After reading the article, it would seem appropriate to make some kind of negative remark toward Sterling, some kind of moan, or other noise of dissatisfaction.

John R ignored this and pointed out an unrelated, though incorrect statement and corrected it. The implication is that Sterling’s racism doesn’t bother John R, but getting the facts right is more important. Whether or not it’s in fact the truth, this is the implication that came through.

by ghost_ride on Nov 10, 2009 9:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If that is your or Jax's reading of what I wrote

So far you have both spoken then, quite literally, of things I did not write. And this is somehow evidence of MY bias or politics?

The DTS side of the equation doesn’t appear to be complex at all. What could I possibly add that hasn’t been said? DTS shouldn’t have asked it. Am I absolved and born again?

by John R on Nov 10, 2009 10:03 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Only a very extreme segment of the political world

calls black people racists. I think you know that so stop feigning ignorance. It’s obvious.

by Jax on Nov 10, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry,

but are you saying that there are no black racists? That it is impossible to be both black and racist?

Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)

by mikey p on Nov 10, 2009 10:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Can you name one black American racist?

A racist as I understand the term is someone who believes that one particular race is superior.

Do you think Aldridge believes he’s superior to white people because he’s black ? Do you think he was really trying to convey that viewpoint in his discussion referenced above?

by Jax on Nov 11, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I can name black Americans that I believe are racists,

even using your flawed definition of the word. But I am cautious before throwing around the scarlett "R". I wish more were.

For you to pretend that you can’t name any is beyond ridiculous.

Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)

by mikey p on Nov 11, 2009 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say I can't name any

What’s flawed about my definition?

by Jax on Nov 11, 2009 3:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not flawed, but not the popular definition

From merriam-webster.com, racism:
1 : a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race
2 : racial prejudice or discrimination

Jax is referring to #1, which applies to the neo-nazis of the world. However, definition #2 is the main meaning of the word now, which is about hate towards a certain race and does not deal with superiority. Don’t want to argue with someone who thinks calling a black person a racist is absurd, but the truth is there are many people who hate their own race, let alone someone of another race.

by Polish Rifle on Nov 11, 2009 6:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

That is exactly the case - thanks

Feel free to retract your cynical “solid argument” post Steve.

by Jax on Nov 10, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, ghost, it's more than that

What John R did was search out one completely irrelevant segment of the Aldridge statement and attack that statement and use it as a basis for incorporating into the discussion an argument that Aldridge must be racist himself for suggesting racism in others.

So to be clear, yes, Steve, John R’s post was a rather obvious defense of DTS, but more to the point, it was an attack on black people for suggesting that certain behavior is racist.

And of course you can see John R’s further responses where he (I) tries to push off the earlier post as a joke; and (2) tries to argue that because he didn’t actually say that he’s a political extremist, that therefore he cannot be.

And then Steve goes to great lengths to defend John R.

This is why politics and sports do not mix. Of course, the fact that we have an ignorant racist owner isn’t our fault. He said what he said and we are going to comment on it.

by Jax on Nov 10, 2009 2:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

By the way...

I said Adande, I meant Aldridge of course.

In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd

by Steve Perrin on Nov 10, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No, no, dont worry

He’s probably got me. I made a joke about Aldridge’s outlook. I cannot deny that in this arena I tend to be completely indifferent. I am a nullhilist.

by John R on Nov 10, 2009 8:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Now you're trying to suggest that your statement was just a joke

Right, sure.

by Jax on Nov 10, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Its not my fault that you are so predictable

That you couldn’t see “this will be fun” indicates someone was getting trolled. You fell into the trap and I lol’ed.

Keep up the faux outrage though. It becomes you.

Man its taking a lot of words to defend your position…

by John R on Nov 10, 2009 7:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

it's

by Jax on Nov 10, 2009 10:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Probably the wrong forum to discuss race issues

but this is a complex question to ask.

For what its worth, DTS did make his own fortune whether you think he did it by being a slumlord or attorney or whatnot but he did it within the confines of our laws. He says some pretty insensitive things but to be honest I’ve heard many similar comments from people from that generation that grew up in a entirely different era. I’m certainly not going to defend him but his comments are still fairly tame compared to things that Marge Schott said.

FA in 2010.

by ClipperChuck on Nov 9, 2009 5:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I guess my roundabout point was

Does Sterling’s reputation significantly impact the staff and team in a negative way? Does it affect the team’s performance? At what point does it?

Some people would quit their jobs if they thought their boss was racially discriminatory. Others wouldn’t care who signs their check as long as it doesn’t bounce. Some might not enjoy their job or try as hard if they thought their boss was a bad person. Isn’t it possible for players to feel the same way?

Sure, what people deem is a “bad” person is subjective but does it affect basketball performance?

Does it affect the referees who see DTS sitting center court?

by moKi on Nov 9, 2009 6:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it

I bet the refs all hate Mark Cuban, do you think they hold the Mavs accountable for that? Ok might be a bad example according to some with how some of the Mavs-Heat Final games were reffed.

It could effect the team’s performance, if anything I think it effects the Clippers ability to resign and sign free agents. Plus NBA players really have little recourse, they can’t really quit a team no matter how big of a d-bag the owner is. So while its nice that their employment contracts are guaranteed (unlike 99% of the population where employment is on a “at-will” basis) they also are limited in taking the morale high ground without sacrificing their pay.

But in the end I think money talks loudest as I don’t see a bunch of players clamoring to go the Bobcats even though they have the only African-American owner, the legendary Michael Jordan in the front office and sizeable African-American community. If that were the case the Hawks would be the hot spot destination as its the most historically rich city for African-americans and many of the players live their in the off-season (see Allen Iverson).

FA in 2010.

by ClipperChuck on Nov 9, 2009 6:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Also

if your team needs motivation from the owner of the team then that team is in big trouble, the organization should have the personnel to do this as the owner is normally very unknowledgeable about the in and outs of the actual game.

FA in 2010.

by ClipperChuck on Nov 9, 2009 6:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why is this the wrong forum to discuss race issues?

It’s not. Social issues should be discussed in every forum… that’s how you keep them in front of you. I, for one, am distressed by DTS’ apparent racism. I’m glad it’s being made public. I’m glad we’re discussing it here.

by swamigusto on Nov 10, 2009 9:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Dunno

I’m reluctant for CN to get caught up in politics, religion and yes racial issues. It’s evident to everyone how important a role sports has played in breaking down racial barriers that have existed for centuries. In a league where about 85% of the players are black obviously this is a big deal.

But yes, I think DTS is a bigot, there are numerous incidents that support the fact that he is at best a extremely ignorant person among his many other faults. Should the guy a NBA team? Yes, he did pay a lot of money for the team from proceeds that some might not agree with but was done within the confines of our legal system. While he hardly helped the league emerge as one of the biggest sports in the world he was there for essentially the ground floor. Is this guy a terrible owner? Yes, that’s well established, especially among this community I’m sure. Is he racist? Maybe, I think he’s just a ignorant person. Sadly I’m sure there are even some that agree with his question, prejudice is still rampant in the world so why bother pretending it doesn’t exist.

FA in 2010.

by ClipperChuck on Nov 10, 2009 10:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you Chuck...

On pretty much all fronts. But we can’t close our eyes to this stuff, especially not in this open community. BTW, I don’t think you can be racist without being ignorant.

by swamigusto on Nov 10, 2009 12:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

agree

amen amen amen..

by clipperreese09 on Nov 11, 2009 6:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm...

Maybe this is why the refs tend to side against us?

by ghost_ride on Nov 9, 2009 5:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

It's appalling

by Jax on Nov 9, 2009 7:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Why do you root for the Clippers again?

Oh, wait. You don’t.

Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)

by mikey p on Nov 9, 2009 11:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Right, sure

by Jax on Nov 10, 2009 12:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Just asking

Because, let’s see.
Racist owner: check.
Incompetent management: check.

There must be something that keeps you coming back. Perhaps you just like the color of the unis?

Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)

by mikey p on Nov 10, 2009 10:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I see

You come back for DTS.

To each his own I guess.

by Jax on Nov 10, 2009 10:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually,

must you like a team because of the owner and management? I mean Memphis still has loyal fans, and heck, Golden State isn’t known to have one of the best owners either, yet they still have very loyal fans.

Truth be told, I don’t exactly like DTS, but when it comes down to it, Clippers are my team.

by JackduhSun on Nov 11, 2009 10:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Per mikey p you're not a true fan

by Jax on Nov 11, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Jax is hardly a loyal fan

Those of us who have been around here awhile have accepted that. He comes around here to mostly to antagonize, quibble with John R., and register his displeasure with “management”. Occassionally he offers constructive basketball analysis, some of which I even agree with, but mostly, he likes to stir it up. His go-to play is the old “have you ever played organized basketball?” non-sequiter.

Nevertheless, he is a part of the ClipsNation family, one of the old-timers, and one whose postings I deliberately seek out, despite their predictability. This particular thread jumped the shark when Jax offered us his Black History seminar, free of charge. And we don’t even have to wait until February!

Turns out Sterling had the wrong guy. He should have asked his question to Jax. .

Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)

by mikey p on Nov 11, 2009 11:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

With all due respect, you are wrong, mikey

I might not fit within your definition of loyal fan, but your definition is not the last word. Indeed, my concerns with current management are addressed because I so much want the team to win and am very skeptical that they can given the current regime.

IMO it’s pretty lame to start questioning the fanhood of others. Actually, it’s surprising coming from mikey p. In that regard, I would disagree that I generally like to “stir it up.” But whatever. One thing that I don’t do is question anyone’s fanhood who bothers to take the time to post on this site.

I also disagree with your take on the discussion herein. The problem with this discussion is the subject matter and how different people might react to a very sensitive subject. For example, mikey asked whether I think any blacks can be racist. An interesting topic, but not one which I think is very helpful here. John R’s decision to discuss Aldridge’s potential black racism was very disappointing to me. I would have said something about that regardless of the source.

by Jax on Nov 11, 2009 12:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

To me,

loyalty allows for the benefit of the doubt at least once in a while. I don’t sense that from you. But, as you say, my defintion of a loyal fan is unofficial.

With reagards to this being a "very sensative" subject, why? Sterling’s question was indeed stupid because he assumed Aldridge would know the answer, presumably because Aldridge is black. And I would hesitate to guess why the nutty Sterling wanted to know in the first place, nor what he was going to do with the informaiton once he had the answer.

But, in the proper context, I don’t find the question all that offensive. It’s probably not asked enough because people are afraid to ask it because everyone is so "sensative".

Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)

by mikey p on Nov 11, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Racism is a sensitive issue, particularly to African Americans - is that really a surprise to you?

I understand – and I’m straining to be nice here – that some people aren’t into complying with what they perceive is political correctness. The problem is that one person’s political correctness is another person’s extreme sensitivity. You might chafe at the notion of having to be careful expressing your opinion, but don’t be surprised that others might be a bit put off by blunt opinions about the subject.

Sterling’s question was not only stupid but completely insensitive and tactless. Is he really so unaware to know that a question like that, asked like that, could provoke a reaction like that?

Re Fandom – just because you want to give management the benefit of the doubt doesn’t mean that one cannot be a Clipper fan after having decided that they can’t turn it around. Jeez – sub .400 record the last six years. That’s why your argument is so silly. Apology accepted.

by Jax on Nov 11, 2009 3:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

By the way

you describe DTS as “nutty.” You know that he has on a number of occasions been accused of racial discrimination with respect to housing in this city. And he’s paid off millions of dollars in settlement of many such claims. I suspect that you wouldn’t describe him merely as “nutty” if it was you he discriminated against on account of your ethnicity.

So this dovetails with the management issues that I’ve had with this club. If he’s pissing off the Aldridge’s of the world with tactless questions, doesn’t that make it just a tad more difficult to sign African American free agents to long-term contracts? Don’t you think the word gets around?

by Jax on Nov 11, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You Have to Wonder

What the players think of all this, especially after this last announcement of the 2.7 Million settlement.

by ghost_ride on Nov 11, 2009 4:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Racism is "nutty"

DTS is a baffoon. What really surprises me is that people continue be offended by such bafoons when they marginalize themselves as Sterling did with his silly question. Aldridge, to his credit, mostly viewed it with an air of humor and dismissed it. That was the appropriate response.

Being offended is a choice. Racism was once a powerful force. Today, it is more of a construct. It’s a mental barrier that survives precisely because people remain so sensative to it. It persists because people refuse to let it go. It has little real power beyond that anymore. This is evidenced by the fact that that surest way to irrelevance is to be a racist. We give it it’s power.

When the day comes that racists are simply mocked rather than being taken so seriously, then racisim will truly be disarmed, and we can all remember it for what a ridiculous the idea was in the first place.

In the meantime, the only losers in this situation were Sterling himself and whoever was sensative enough to take offense to his nonsense.

That said, I think we ALL agree that Sterling is the worst part of the Clippers, even though he IS the Clippers.

Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)

by mikey p on Nov 11, 2009 4:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think you vastly understimate the continuing impact of racism

Racism and its effects linger thoughout this society. Many are affected to it. You might not see it overtly in a large city like Los Angeles, but there are many areas of the country where it still exists as a powerful force.

At bottom, racism is caused by ignorance and fear. There will always be ignorance and there will always be fear, and those who choose to seek power by using such tools.

by Jax on Nov 11, 2009 6:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps it is just stubborn naivete on my part

but I refuse to give the racists that much power. To some that may make me sound like a beauty pageant contestant.

For my next act, I will end world hunger.

Do not worry. (Matthew 6:27)

by mikey p on Nov 11, 2009 11:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep, underestimating

Mikey, you had me until you mentioned that it was “once a powerful force.” You forget that it is more than a verbal and mental matter. It still drives people to physically hurt and kill others based on their race. I remember a lynching of a black kid and the jumping of a white girl not too long ago. And then there are plenty of threats towards our president.

by Polish Rifle on Nov 11, 2009 6:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Not just the president

but his family. Can you picture that? What kind of sick person would threaten a man’s family. 2 daughers, 1 wife; all women.

And its not just Barack Obama. A little before the election, there was word that a black person would die every day Barack Obama is elected into presidency. It really doesn’t make any sense to base someone on the color of someones skin.

by JackduhSun on Nov 11, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs