By now the embarrassing, racially charged comments about minorities allegedly made by Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, during a conversation with his girlfriend have made the rounds. While the context and authenticity of the damning audio is still being investigated, there's another layer to this controversy.
Listen to Donald Sterling's full audio here
Sterling's wife, Rochelle, is embroiled in a lawsuit with Sterling's girlfriend V. Stiviano.
According to reports, Rochelle, separated from the 81-year-old Sterling, is suing Stiviano after the owner bought her a 2012 Ferrari, two Bentleys and a 2013 Range Rover that totaled over $500,000. In addition, Sterling also allegedly ponied up $1.8 million for Stiviano to buy a West 4th Street apartment in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Times reports that property was to be held in the Sterlings' name, but Stiviano holds the title and isn't giving it up. Rochelle is arguing that Stiviano was gifted these lavish items and large sums without her consent, and therefore should have the money and property returned to her.
It's unclear what kind of context the lawsuit provides to the issue at hand though, which are incredibly racist comments Sterling made in a telephone conversation with Stiviano. What sparked his anger toward her was a photo uploaded to Instagram with basketball legend and current Los Angeles Dodgers owner Magic Johnson.
"I'm just saying, in your ... Instagrams, you don't have to have yourself with, walking with black people," the man believed to be Sterling is heard saying. "Don't put him on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me," he says. "And don't bring him to my games."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said an investigation is underway, and any decision on what to do with Sterling will be on hold until it's complete. Johnson has vowed to never appear at any Clippers game again until Sterling's out as owner, and tweeted a reaction.
"I feel sorry for my friends Coach Doc Rivers and Chris Paul that they have to work for a man that feels that way about African Americans," Johnson tweeted. "LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling's comments about African Americans are a black eye for the NBA."
I feel sorry for my friends Coach Doc Rivers and Chris Paul that they have to work for a man that feels that way about African Americans.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling's comments about African Americans are a black eye for the NBA. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014
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