CNN exclusive: Donald Sterling insists he's no racist, still slams Magic Johnson

[deleted-05292014 331]

http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/12/us/donald-sterling-interview/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

(CNN) -- Donald Sterling blamed Magic Johnson for his delayed apology to the controversy that has him fighting to keep his NBA team, and criticized the legendary NBA player's character, his battle with HIV and his role in the scandal during a wide-ranging interview with CNN.

Sterling -- in his first televised interview since audio recordings surfaced last month of the longtime Los Angeles Clippers owner making racist remarks -- told CNN's Anderson Cooper that he waited so long to apologize for the comments because Johnson called him and told him to remain silent.

"He just said 'Wait, be patient, I'll help you, we'll work it out,'" Sterling said in the lengthy interview, which was recorded Sunday and aired Monday night.

Sterling was heard on the audio recordings chastising friend V. Stiviano for posting pictures online of her posing with African-Americans, including Johnson.

While saying he admires Joh"Well, what kind of a guy goes to every city, has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV? Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about?" Sterling asked. "I think he should be ashamed of himself. I think he should go into the background. But what does he do for the black people? He doesn't do anything."

Johnson is the founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, which gets a top rating from Charity Navigator, a nonprofit corporation that evaluates charities.

The Magic Johnson foundation provides funds for HIV/AIDs awareness, testing and treatment as well as scholarships and mentoring for minority students. It also provides other support to ethnically diverse urban communities and has spent several million dollars on those programs.

As chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Johnson has invested extensively, with the company describing its mission on its website as being "a catalyst for and fostering community/economic empowerment" in "ethnically diverse urban communities."

Johnson said after the controversy first unfolded that Sterling should sell the team. He hasn't indicated whether he would pursue a Clippers ownership position.

Until the CNN interview, Sterling had been quiet since celebrity gossip website TMZ posted a 10-minute audio recording of him that drew widespread condemnation from fans, players and the league, and led to a lifetime ban from the National Basketball Association and a $2.5 million fine.

Sterling several times told CNN he is not racist.

"I'm not a racist, I made a terrible, terrible mistake. And I'm here with you today to apologize and to ask for forgiveness for all the people that I've hurt," he said.

The timing of Sterling's apology drew criticism from the Clippers' interim CEO on Monday.

"I would observe, as most Americans I think would observe, that he's a little late, for sure," said ####### Parsons, a former chairman of Citigroup and Time Warner who was tapped by the NBA to be the team's interim CEO last week. "But beyond that, I'm here to help turn one of the burners off under the pot, not to turn it up higher. So I think I'll keep my personal views personal and just stay focused on what are we going to keep this team on the ascend, as it is right now."

Trashing Magic Johnson

Sterling had choice words for Johnson, telling Cooper he thinks Johnson wanted him to not respond to the media firestorm that erupted after the recordings surfaced so Johnson, who is a part of the ownership groups of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA team Los Angeles Sparks, could buy the Clippers.

"He thought the whole thing will be resolved in two weeks," Sterling said. "What has he done? Can you tell me? Big Magic Johnson, what has he done?"

Sterling said Jewish people spend great amounts of money helping other Jews who are poor while rich black people turn their backs to people in need.

"That's one problem I have. Jews when they get successful they will help their people and some of the African-Americans -- maybe I'll get in trouble again -- they don't want to help anybody," he said.

Those comments sparked criticism from players who spoke with CNN's Rachel Nichols on Monday.

"The biggest shock waves from players that I talked to today, they said, 'Wait a minute, he insulted Magic Johnson again? He did that again?' They can't believe that," Nichols said. "As far as they are concerned, that is a final straw."

Awaiting the NBA's next move

Sterling, a lawyer and billionaire real estate investor, wouldn't tell CNN if he will sue the NBA if his fellow owners vote to force him to sell the team.

Even though NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said he wants the other teams to vote the Clippers owner out, Sterling said he doesn't think the other 29 owners would do it.

The league's finance committee is to meet this week to take another step toward the forced sale. The lawyer for Sterling's estranged wife said recently that she wants to keep her half of the team, but the NBA released a statement saying all owners would lose their interests in the team.

Donald Sterling told CNN's Cooper that since he hasn't been ordered to sell, it wasn't worth discussing.

"We aren't there yet so why should I address that issue? I don't want to fight with my partners," he said. "We all do what we have to do. I love them and I respect them. Whatever their decision is with regard to my terrible words, then I have to do it, I think."

Sterling's relationship with Stiviano

Sterling blamed Stiviano for "baiting" him into saying the racist remarks on the recordings -- comments he said he had no idea were being recorded. But he said he is not sure why she did it, because she didn't blackmail him. In fact, he believes she is a "good person."

When asked if he had an intimate relationship with Stiviano, 31 and nearly 50 years younger than Sterling, he declined to answer.

"I don't think a gentleman should discuss any of the personal items that go on with a woman," he said.

Stiviano told ABC that she was a friend and confidant to Sterling but they didn't have a sexual relationship.

Shelly Sterling believes they did and is suing Stiviano to get back more than $2 million in gifts her husband gave his friend.

Donald Sterling said that just before the remarks that appalled much of America, Stiviano made him jealous by saying she was going to bring four handsome black football players to a Clippers game with her.

"I was a little jealous," he said, adding that he was referring to the players when he said don't bring them to the game.

Still loved?

Sterling thinks his players, whom he cannot contact anymore because he is banned from team functions and operations, still love him.

"Absolutely! They know I'm not a racist -- and I'm not a racist," he said.

The fans and sponsors also still love him, he claimed.

It's the media that hates him, he said.

He said people from all over the world call him to give him support even though they don't believe he should have said what he did on the recordings.nson and that his role in the scandal is "irrelevant," Sterling questioned Johnson's character in the CNN interview.

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Anyone see this interview? I don't normally watch CNN but I couldn't resist seeing this train wreck in motion. If I had his money I would def. have my PR firm running the show on this one. The funniest part of the interview was when he said to Anderson Cooper, have you ever been in love with a girl and got jealous.....Cooper is gay so the answer would be no

This guy is about as racist as they come most of what he says he doesn't even realize is racist or understands why - def. plantation mentality at work here.

I just found out that in the State of California both parties have to know they are being recorded so I would say the woman should be held accountable for her actions. In my State only 1 party needs to know a conversation is being recorded. Yes I think it sucks his private conversation was recorded but I also think the public should know and be informed of the truth and base their purchasing decisions on that truth.

He was also very wrong about Magic Johnson - who has done a tremendous amount of work for HIV/Aids foundations and bringing business opportunities to depressed neighborhoods.

[eieio 1,594]

This guy is about as racist as they come

Not even close. He is slightly racist and mostly stupid.( but then again how stupid can a guy be that owns a multi-million dollar franchise?)

[B_J 2,752]

I simply don't believe anything the guy said.

And, while I agree he is racist, I also don't think he's the worst kind of racist.

First, there is the KKK-type racist. They are just full of hatred. That's the worst kind.

Then there is this kind. I've seen a few of these. It's more of a condescending racism. They don't mean any harm; they really think they are doing good. I've heard these type of racists compliment blacks because "they're really strong and good workers". Stuff like that. They feel that, because they gave that poor black guy a job digging a ditch, which is about all a black guy can do, then they're a really good person.

The first type of racist you want to punch in the face.

The second type, you just shake you head and walk away.

[deleted-05292014 331]

Not even close. He is slightly racist and mostly stupid.( but then again how stupid can a guy be that owns a multi-million dollar franchise?)

If you consider being brought up on the largest DOJ case of housing discrimination only slightly racist then I'd love to hear what your definition of medium rare racist is.

He is stupid to boot as well though.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

I simply don't believe anything the guy said.

And, while I agree he is racist, I also don't think he's the worst kind of racist.

First, there is the KKK-type racist. They are just full of hatred. That's the worst kind.

Then there is this kind. I've seen a few of these. It's more of a condescending racism. They don't mean any harm; they really think they are doing good. I've heard these type of racists compliment blacks because "they're really strong and good workers". Stuff like that. They feel that, because they gave that poor black guy a job digging a ditch, which is about all a black guy can do, then they're a really good person.

The first type of racist you want to punch in the face.

The second type, you just shake you head and walk away.

BJ, you know I like you right?

Here's my issue. And maybe I'm wrong. But I think this is a problem. Racism is just that, it's stupid hatred. I read an article somewhere about the whole Donald Sterling mess and folks opinions on it. And someone brought up a very interesting point. They wrote, the problem is unless you're in a white sheet or sicking dogs or turning on water hoses on minorities, everything else is cool. It's only racist if it involves the N word or he's a member of the KKK.

This dude had to pay out a couple of million dollars because he refused to rent to minority tenants. He talks about paying poor black kids in the ghetto. In my eyes, those players are making money, but in his eyes, he owns them and he's making millions off of them. And with signing contracts and what not, he literally owns them. He's a racist, pure and simple. I wouldn't punch him in the face, because I'm better than that.

And I really think racism now is more or less if you can get away with it. Folks who complain about PC and wish things were back in the old days make me wonder what they really miss. Look right here at VJ. If certain folks could say what they really feel on the inside...

Edited May 13, 2014 by Su and Marvin

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

But Marvin, Jinx used a qualifying statement...and I think that's what Benny responded to.

Based on your comments = You and Jinx need to square off & get this confusion straightened out....?

Edited May 13, 2014 by Crashed~N2~Me

[B_J 2,752]

BJ, you know I like you right?

Here's my issue. And maybe I'm wrong. But I think this is a problem. Racism is just that, it's stupid hatred. I read an article somewhere about the whole Donald Sterling mess and folks opinions on it. And someone brought up a very interesting point. They wrote, the problem is unless you're in a white sheet or sicking dogs or turning on water hoses on minorities, everything else is cool. It's only racist if it involves the N word or he's a member of the KKK.

Here's the thing. I called both racism. I didn't even come close to saying it was cool. I see nothing good at all in any type of racism. I'm not saying his type of racism is harmless or anything like that.

I'm saying his is not the worst kind.

Type 1: He thinks you're not as good as him and he wants to help you by giving you a job etc. His behavior is demeaning.

Type 2. He hates you and wants to kill you.

Please tell me you think both are bad but maybe, just maybe, the guy who wants to kill you is a little bit worse.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

But Marvin, Jinx used a qualifying statement...and I think that's what Benny responded to.

Based on your comments = You and Jinx need to square off & get this confusion straightened out....?

Jinx, meet me out by the jungle gym. Bring your high tops, we're going to break dance and figure who's right.

Here's the thing. I called both racism. I didn't even come close to saying it was cool. I see nothing good at all in any type of racism. I'm not saying his type of racism is harmless or anything like that.

I'm saying his is not the worst kind.

Type 1: He thinks you're not as good as him and he wants to help you by giving you a job etc. His behavior is demeaning.

Type 2. He hates you and wants to kill you.

Please tell me you think both are bad but maybe, just maybe, the guy who wants to kill you is a little bit worse.

I crossed out that part for a reason. Here's my thing. Let's say you, BJ, know I'm down on my luck and need a job. You say, Marvin, I saw your resume and I have a job for you doing what you're good at. I'll hire you and you can come work for me. I have no issue in that. That's helping someone out. Sterling gets a ton of money for his team. He employes black men because they will bring in the money for HIM. They get paid, he gets paid more. The only difference is black kids now a days know that instead of hitting the books and making your OWN company or being your OWN boss, all you have to do is play a sport and you can get rich quick.

This dude invests in the black community because it benefits HIM. Not because he thinks he helping someone out.

And yes, I think the guy who wants to kill me warrants more attention.

[B_J 2,752]

I crossed out that part for a reason. Here's my thing. Let's say you, BJ, know I'm down on my luck and need a job. You say, Marvin, I saw your resume and I have a job for you doing what you're good at. I'll hire you and you can come work for me. I have no issue in that. That's helping someone out. Sterling gets a ton of money for his team. He employes black men because they will bring in the money for HIM. They get paid, he gets paid more. The only difference is black kids now a days know that instead of hitting the books and making your OWN company or being your OWN boss, all you have to do is play a sport and you can get rich quick.

This dude invests in the black community because it benefits HIM. Not because he thinks he helping someone out.

And yes, I think the guy who wants to kill me warrants more attention.

So, basically you're agreeing with me.

The type of racist like Sterling is incredibly frustrating. Like Jynx said, he really doesn't know he's racist. Plus, you'll never be able to convince him that he's racist. He'll be able to show you all the "good" things he's done for black people. Even the NAACP was going to give him an award. And he honestly believes he's helping these black guys. He truly believes that, without him, they would probably be on the street selling drugs. That's why, like I said, with a racist like this I just walk away. I don't think they will ever understand how racist their attitude is.

By the way, I once quit a job over something like this. it was just a little part time job I had in college. One of my coworkers used to always tell me racist jokes when we worked together. I found out that the owner was going to promote him, so I went and had a talk with her. I told her the guy was racist and her reply was that he couldn't be. She explained how he always complimented our one black coworker. He always said what a hard worker he was. I knew I'd never win this fight. On the surface, the guy getting promoted appeared to be a great guy, but his attitude was just like Sterling.

ETA: While I think the KKK hatred type of racism is worse, in a way this type of Sterling racism may be harder to overcome as a society. It's harder to notice and harder to convince people of how wrong it is. Just shake my head and walk away.

Edited May 13, 2014 by B_J

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

So, basically you're agreeing with me.

The type of racist like Sterling is incredibly frustrating. Like Jynx said, he really doesn't know he's racist. Plus, you'll never be able to convince him that he's racist. He'll be able to show you all the "good" things he's done for black people. Even the NAACP was going to give him an award. And he honestly believes he's helping these black guys. He truly believes that, without him, they would probably be on the street selling drugs. That's why, like I said, with a racist like this I just walk away. I don't think they will ever understand how racist their attitude is.

By the way, I once quit a job over something like this. it was just a little part time job I had in college. One of my coworkers used to always tell me racist jokes when we worked together. I found out that the owner was going to promote him, so I went and had a talk with her. I told her the guy was racist and her reply was that he couldn't be. She explained how he always complimented our one black coworker. He always said what a hard worker he was. I knew I'd never win this fight. On the surface, the guy getting promoted appeared to be a great guy, but his attitude was just like Sterling.

ETA: While I think the KKK hatred type of racism is worse, in a way this type of Sterling racism may be harder to overcome as a society. It's harder to notice and harder to convince people of how wrong it is. Just shake my head and walk away.

+100. That's what I was saying. And the NAACP was going to give him 2 awards, even AFTER his suit of discrimination. That's foul.

Good job standing up for what you thought was right.

[eieio 1,594]

If you consider being brought up on the largest DOJ case of housing discrimination only slightly racist then I'd love to hear what your definition of medium rare racist is.

The largest case of housing discrimination? I will take you word on this as I have not read the details.

His ability to affect more people may make him the worst kind of racist in your opinion. I can understand your point of view. My definition of worst is different.

He employes black men because they will bring in the money for HIM.

It a meaningless argument . This is what all business do. You hire the people that make the business successful. It is pretty simple actually.

[Teddy B 17,252]

While saying he admires Johnson and that his role in the scandal is "irrelevant," Sterling questioned Johnson's character in the CNN interview.

"Well, what kind of a guy goes to every city, has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV? Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about?" Sterling asked. "I think he should be ashamed of himself. I think he should go into the background. But what does he do for the black people? He doesn't do anything."

This seems personal for Donald. I'd bet that at some time during Magic's hey day, he must've slept with one or two of Donald's women. What else would explain his obsession with Magic?

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

The largest case of housing discrimination? I will take you word on this as I have not read the details.

His ability to affect more people may make him the worst kind of racist in your opinion. I can understand your point of view. My definition of worst is different.

It a meaningless argument . This is what all business do. You hire the people that make the business successful. It is pretty simple actually.

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/November/09-crt-1187.html

My point was this wasn't a helpful gesture. His main goal is to make money, like any business.

[eieio 1,594]

My point was this wasn't a helpful gesture.

Ahhhh....now I remember. He was bragging how much he helps blacks out by employing them.

I agree.

[deleted-05292014 331]

Jinx, meet me out by the jungle gym. Bring your high tops, we're going to break dance and figure who's right.

I crossed out that part for a reason. Here's my thing. Let's say you, BJ, know I'm down on my luck and need a job. You say, Marvin, I saw your resume and I have a job for you doing what you're good at. I'll hire you and you can come work for me. I have no issue in that. That's helping someone out. Sterling gets a ton of money for his team. He employes black men because they will bring in the money for HIM. They get paid, he gets paid more. The only difference is black kids now a days know that instead of hitting the books and making your OWN company or being your OWN boss, all you have to do is play a sport and you can get rich quick.

This dude invests in the black community because it benefits HIM. Not because he thinks he helping someone out.

And yes, I think the guy who wants to kill me warrants more attention.

Sorry bro I don't get it..... Then again 3 people in this thread are on my ignore list or I should say my personal troll list.