In
an era of sports when leagues are more than ever image-conscious,
holding members accountable for their actions, the NBA is MIA –
missing in action.
Last week
Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling agreed to pay $2.73
million in a discrimination lawsuit settlement brought by the U.S.
Department of Justice for refusing to rent apartments to African
Americans and Hispanics.
Sterling,
a real estate mogul, owns 119 properties with over 5,000 apartments
in Los Angeles County. The settlement is the largest in U.S. history
for housing discrimination.
NBA
commissioner David Stern, the NBA and the NBA Players Association
have been silent in response to the suit. To complicate matters, this
is just one of several law suits against Sterling that involves
racial discrimination, housing discrimination and even sexual
harassment.
Hall
of Fame great Elgin Baylor was the general manager of the Clippers
for 22 years. The 75-year-old Baylor is currently suing Sterling, the
Clippers and the NBA for being forced out of his job because of his
age and race.
Sterling
also settled another unrelated housing discrimination suit for an
undisclosed amount and a reported $5 million in attorney’s fees. That settlement in 2003 was two weeks after a sexual harassment suit
that also alleged housing and hiring discrimination. As is the case
when money is involved, the rich can buy their way out of
trouble.
But
how can the NBA be silent in this matter? When Rush Limbaugh tried to
buy an NFL team, commissioner Roger Goodell stepped in quickly to
release a statement. Judging by the lack of response from the NBA, it
appears they will only respond if the black community reacts.
If
NBA and NFL players are held accountable for their actions, so too
must the owners. As a whole the black community should be outraged
and should join forces to make their voices heard.
–lenn durant
If
you believe racist owners have no place in the NBA, which is over 90
percent black, then make your voice heard. Contact the
NBA offices in New York and file a complaint at (212) 407-8000. Also
let the L.A. Clippers know your position by calling (213) 742-7500.
