http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Heo5eXZQFGA
Have you ever went to your everyday job and felt like everyone liked you, admired you to only fine out your main boss hates you and could care less about your existence?
The NBA ( National Basketball Association) experienced this April 25,2014.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling had a recording of him leaked where he was saying some very racist comments geared toward his African -American players such as Chris Paul, Deandre Jordan, & Blake Griffin. When news first broke of this story on Twitter & ESPN/CNN, it was shocking first of all that an issue of this magnitude was coming forth. Racism in the NBA ?! was my first thought. My next thought was is this true and if it was true why?
Racism means to discriminate or belittle people of a certain race and trying to get rid of them.
As the next few days went on many people spoke out about how the NBA needed to investigate hard and fast and come to a decision. New Commissioner Adam Silver was placed in a new position and now faced with a big decision. First confirm that the recordings are Donald Sterling’s voice and Secondly decide his punishment. Players of various teams as well also voiced their opinion on this pertinent issue.
April 29,2014
Adam Silver spoke to the media and came to a decision to ban Donald Sterling for life and force him to sell the team for $2 billion dollars. Justice was served in a way that benefited all races. I was personally glad that Adam Silver stepped up and reminded the nation that racism would not be tolerated in the sport and anyone else who was participating in such acts would be dealt with as well.
Many people fought and died for the end of racism such as Dr. King and Harriet Tubman and others. It goes to show that racism of any form still exists and may not go away. Equality is essential in a game such as basketball because many different races are represented on all 30 teams and we want to make sure they are welcomed and very importantly appreciated.
Unity….The NBA is a sport about Unity and being able to come together during difficult times. This incident played out during the NBA Playoffs which was supposed to be a fun and exciting time for fans but it was stressful and nerve wracking for everyone involved. i enjoy the game of basketball but I also enjoy how in tough situations they can be handled accordingly and affectively. I hope as you are reading this blog you will understand that intolerance of any kind is not welcomed or appreciated. We must band together to help end discrimination among people.
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