The relationship between former Clippers owner Donald Sterling and Magic Johnson is defined by a series of unpleasant incidents in 2014. Sterling revealed his racist tendencies through a series of leaked recordings, which ultimately led to his expulsion from the league.
This is how Sterling revealed his true feelings towards Johnson, much to the dismay of everyone around the world.
Donald Sterling-Magic Johnson Beef, Explained
In 2014, Sterling’s mistress, V. Stiviano, leaked audio recordings with Sterling to TMZ. Part of those recordings touched a photography that Stiviano took with the Magic at a Dodgers game.
Sterling criticized Stiviano for posting the photo on Instagram, railing against minorities and Magic in the process.
Some of Sterling inflammatory quotes Include the following:
- “It really bothers me that you want to convey that you are associating with black people.”
- “Why are you taking pictures with minorities? Why?”
- “I think it’s nice that you admire [Magic]. I know him well and he should be admired. And I’m just saying it’s a shame you can’t admire him in private and for your whole damn life, your whole life, admire him. Bring him here, feed him, screw him, I don’t care! You could do anything! But don’t put it on Instagram for the world to see, so they have to call me. And don’t bring him to my games, okay?”
Sterling initially denied that he was the one on the recordings, suggesting his voice may have been altered.
The Clippers issued an apology to Magic on behalf of Sterling immediately after the audio leak. The statement said the following: “[Sterling] He is also upset and apologizes for the feelings attributed to him about Earvin Johnson. “He has long considered Magic a friend and has the utmost respect and admiration for him, both in terms of who he is and what he has accomplished.”
That apology turned out to be disingenuous in light of Sterling’s subsequent actions.
What was Magic Johnson’s reaction to Sterling’s tape?
Magic was understandably upset after hearing Sterling’s racist comments and told CNN he would never attend a Clippers game as long as Sterling remained an owner. He spoke with Sage Steele on NBA Countdown shortly after.
“He was really upset. You can’t understand how hurt he was and he was hurt by all African Americans and all minorities… He should no longer own a team. And he should stand up and say, ‘I don’t want to own a team anymore.’ a team, especially when there are African Americans who rent his apartments, attend his games, play for him and train for him This is bad for everyone.
Magic was far from the only player who was upset by Sterling’s actions. Players across the league condemned him. Commissioner Adam Silver apologized on behalf of the NBA.
Michael Jordan issued a statement saying, “There is no place in the NBA, or anywhere else, for the type of racism and hatred Mr. Sterling allegedly expressed… We cannot and should not tolerate discrimination at any level.”
The release of the tapes ultimately led to Sterling’s expulsion from the league.
Donald Sterling doubles down on Magic Johnson hate
Sterling went on CNN with Anderson Cooper shortly after the tapes were released to try to explain his side of the story and presumably do damage control. Instead, it made the situation much worse.
“He acts so saintly,” Sterling told Cooper. “What kind of man goes to every city, has sex with every girl and then gets HIV? Is he someone we want to respect and talk to our children about? I think he should be ashamed of himself, he should take a backseat. But what does it do for black people? It doesn’t do anything.”
Sterling told Cooper that he felt burned by Magic because Magic had initially called him and told him he would help him. Sterling claimed that he never heard from Magic again after that moment.
Sterling continued to mix praise and criticism of Johnson throughout the confusing interview.
“Magic Johnson is irrelevant in this matter,” Sterling said. “He didn’t do anything to anyone, I respect him and admire everything he does.”
Magic maintained his elegance in his response to Sterling’s interview.
“It’s coming,” Johnson said. “He’s trying to find something he can hold on to to help him save his team. And that’s not going to happen… I’m a God-fearing man and I’m going to pray for him and hope things turn out well for him. “
“It’s very disturbing. I think when you’re number one, you should get your facts straight,” Johnson told TMZ. “I don’t have AIDS, I have HIV. I’ve been living with HIV for 22 years. That’s your opinion if you think I’m not a role model. I know the things I’ve done in urban America and for people.”
Sterling was banned for life from the NBA in April 2014 and fined $2.5 million by the league. The Sterlings sold the Clippers for $2 billion to Steve Ballmer, who has led the team ever since.
