Instead of offering apologies to Magic Johnson for making racially disparaging remarks about him, Donald Sterling threw some more verbal grenades.
On an appearance with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, the Clippers’ embattled owner threw out unsubstantiated charges that Magic Johnson fails to help minorities. Sterling criticized Johnson for contracting the HIV virus stemmed from previous infidelities that forced his initial retirement in 1991. Sterling downplayed Johnson’s role in bolstering funds through his foundation for AIDS and HIV awareness through education, treatment and research.
Underneath Sterling’s unprompted attacks on the Lakers’ legend reveals his belief that Johnson has tried leaving him out to try dry so he could position himself to purchase the Clippers.
“He just said: “’Wait. Be patient,'” Sterling said on CNN when describing his attempt to apologize. “‘I will help you. We will — we will work it out. I think he wanted me just to do nothing, so he could buy the team.”
No doubt, Johnson has expressed interest in the Clippers whenever it is put up for sale. But Johnson laughed off Sterling’s assertion, saying he has much more preference in owning a franchise where he once won five NBA championships instead of its crosstown rival.
“This notion that I want his team? If I was going to trick somebody, deceive somebody, be dishonest to somebody, steal somebody’s franchise, it is going to be the Los Angeles Lakers,” Johnson said on Anderson Cooper 360.° Let’s make that clear right now. It won’t be the L.A. Clippers.”
Continue reading “Donald Sterling scandal: Magic Johnson would rather own Lakers than Clippers” »