Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda never was one to hold his tongue when he was gainfully employed in Major League Baseball.
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So when the 86-year old version of Lasorda was asked to discuss the Donald Sterling incident on Tuesday, the chances of getting a completely politically correct response were almost non-existent.
And Lasorda didn't disappoint.
According to FoxSports.com, an ABC news affiliate in Florida did a story on Lasorda receiving his 11th honorary doctorate degree, this one from Northwood University in West Palm Beach, Fla. Lasorda spoke to the school's 2014 graduating class.
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At the end of what was a fluff interview, the reporter asked Lasorda his thoughts on Sterling, the Los Angeles Clippers owner banned for life because of racist remarks he said in a private conversation with V. Stiviano that was leaked to the media. Media reports have labeled Stiviano as Sterling's former girlfriend - reports she denies.
"I've been a friend of that guy's for 30 years," said Lasorda. "It doesn't surprise me that he said those things. That doesn't surprise me. And he shouldn't have said it, and he just hurt himself by talking too much and doing things that he shouldn't be doing."
Unfortunately for Lasorda, he didn't stop there.
"And I don't wish that girl any bad luck," he added, "but I hope she gets hit with a car."
CBSSports.com stated that it was anticipating that Major League Baseball would levy some sort of punishment against Lasorda as well.
"That's not appropriate at all. I get that Lasorda is 86 years old and comes from a very different time, but saying you hope someone gets hit by a car on television should be an obvious no-no.
Lasorda is an ambassador for both the Dodgers and MLB, and is one of the game's most beloved people. Something like this is a problem though. It's offensive and not something anyone should be saying, let alone someone in Lasorda's position. Let's hope the league takes some action."
The comments about Stiviano add a shock element that completely changes the tone of the fluff piece.
Do you think Tommy Lasorda should receive a reprimand for his comments about V. Stiviano? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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