Sterling's racial statements launch NBA investigation

USA Today reported that the National Basketball Association will be holding a press conference on Tuesday at 2PM to make an announcement amid the revelation of an audio-recorded conversation allegedly between Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and his rumored girlfriend. The release of the audio conversation might have also caused Sterling to skip attendance of Clipper's game on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors at the Oracle Arena. His basketball team is scheduled to play at the Staples Center on Tuesday and that there is no word yet on whether Sterling will attend.

According to an NJ.com article, the nine and a half audio track released by TMZ over the weekend reportedly featured Sterling and girlfriend V. Stiviano discussing over the woman's association with minorities. At one point, Sterling allegedly berated Stiviano for making moves to associate herself with blacks, and even urging her to associate herself with them and other minorities privately.

"People feel certain things. Hispanics feel certain things toward blacks. Blacks feel certain things toward other groups. It's been that way historically and it'll always be that way. ... Maybe you want to adjust to the world," Sterling purportedly was quoted as saying in the audio recording.

Stiviano herself is also facing legal scrutiny, especially from Sterling's own wife. In a statement released Sunday night following the scandal, Stiviano's attorney Mac Nehoray said, "Neither Ms. Stiviano, nor this office has ever alleged that Ms. Stiviano is, or ever was, Mr. Sterling's girlfriend."

Stiviano was also sued in March by Sterling's wife Rochelle, NJ.com said. According to Sterling's wife, she is forcing Stiviano to return a $1.8 million duplex her husband has bought for the latter, and several luxury automobiles and pocket money. Clippers President Andy Roeser also revealed last week that Stiviano was accused of embezzling over $1.8 million, although it was not clear from the article from which entity.

Tags

National Basketball Association, Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, Donald Sterling audio recording

© 2023 Lawyer Herald All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.