Donald Sterling (Allegedly) Hates Black People… and Hispanics… and Kids

Image via Wikipedia

Owning a team in the NBA, a league composed primarily of African-Americans, would probably not be the best business decision for a racist. Either that or it would be the absolute best, considering you essentially “own” the strapping black lads that play for you. Enter the owner of my favorite team Donald Sterling, who has found himself on the wrong side of a record settlement.

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling agreed to pay $2.73 million this week to settle a federal case alleging he discriminated in the rental of apartments he owns with his wife in Southern California.

The settlement is “the largest monetary payment ever obtained” in this kind of case by the U.S. Justice Department, according to a news release from the organization.

It stems from allegations Sterling’s company targeted and discriminated against blacks, Hispanics and families with children in renting apartments in greater Los Angeles. The settlement must still be approved by a federal judge but should also resolve two additional tenant-filed suits alleging racial discrimination.

via Sterling suit seems to fit NBA just fine – NBA – Yahoo! Sports.

The ugly specifics are laid out in detail in Wetzel’s column, including background into several other lawsuits filed against Sterling. Not only does he appear to be an awful owner, he allegedly is an awful person. I’ve always heard the rumors that he was a miserable old man, but this takes it to another level. As the only Clippers fan East of Las Vegas, this is incredibly depressing. Not only do I feel terrible when the Clippers fail, which is the norm and typically in magnificent fashion, now I’ll feel guilty that Sterling profits even more when they succeed.

The best sentiment comes from the same column that essentially sums up the Donald Sterling reign of terror on Los Angeles:

Apparently, Sterling is so cheap he won’t even spend money to defend his reputation against a racial discrimination charge. If you’re innocent (and rich), you’d think squashing the possible assumption that you’re a despicable racist is a project worth dropping some cash on, but hey, this is Donald Sterling. You also wouldn’t think someone could run the Clippers like he has.