“If it’s White people it’s OK?” – When Larry Bird’s name was mentioned in a leaked tape of Donald Sterling’s racist rant

Former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers in 2014 Donald Sterling He was in trouble for his racist remarks. The public was both shocked and disgusted to hear that the notorious ruler brutally discriminated against blacks. audio recording leaked from his conversation with his girlfriend V. Stiviano.

At some point during the heated exchange, Larry Bird‘s name was mentioned. Bird, one of the best white players in NBA history, had nothing to do with Sterling’s racist remarks, but Stiviano was trying to make a point when he questioned why Donald only had problems hanging out with black guys.

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Sterling: “I love everyone. I’m just saying, you don’t have to march with Black people on your crappy (expletive-filled) Instagrams. You don’t have to. If you want to, do it.”

-Stiviano: “Would it be okay if it were white people? If it was Larry Bird, would it make a difference?”

Sterling says his girlfriend shouldn’t be perceived as black

Sterling and his girlfriend’s argument lasted nearly eight minutes, with the former NBA team owner mostly implying the same thing: His girlfriend shouldn’t be seen in public with black people.

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Stiviano deliberately denied Sterling’s request, not only because he insisted he was not a racist, but also because he was part Black. But this is not the case for Sterling.

Donald was trying to explain that it was totally okay to mix in Stiviano. But he stood firm in ordering Stiviano to love and embrace Black people “specially.”

-Stiviano: “People call you and tell you there are black people on Instagram and does that bother you?”

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Sterling: “Yes, it bothers me so much that you want to broadcast that you associate with Black people. Do you have to associate with Black people? I’m not you and you’re not me. You’re not supposed to be a delicate white girl or a delicate Latina girl.”

The bird’s peers reacted

Knowing Bird, he said nothing about Sterling and the racism scandal. But some of Larry Legend’s top NBA peers didn’t let Donald slide.

Among the legends who spoke out about Sterling were Michael Jordan and Bird’s former arch-rival Magic Johnson.

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“As a team owner, I am frankly disgusted that a fellow owner would hold such disgusting and offensive views. … As a former player, I am completely outraged. There is no place in the NBA – or anywhere else – for racism and hatred as Mr. Sterling alleges.” Jordan he shouted.

“He shouldn’t have a team anymore. And he should stand up and say, ‘I don’t want to have a team anymore.'” He mentioned Magic Donald.

Related: Isiah Thomas dismisses Michael Jordan as GOAT: “Not only do the numbers back it up, but the win backs it up.”

Decision

It didn’t take long for the NBA to make a decision. After evaluating and investigating Sterling’s situation, the league pulled the plug on the team owner.

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