NBA: No Comment on Lawsuit

The NBA on Wednesday had no comment on a federal housing lawsuit filed by the Housing Rights Center against Clipper owner Donald T. Sterling, who owns more than 100 apartment complexes in Southern California.

According to the suit, Sterling said he “did not like Hispanics or blacks as tenants” and that “Hispanics smoke, drink and just hang around the building.”

His comments are alleged to have been made during a meeting with the management of a complex on Irolo Street in Los Angeles in May 2002. Sterling is alleged to have asked his management staff to rent to only Korean Americans.

“This is the first we’re hearing of this,” Brian McIntyre, the league’s senior vice president of basketball communications, told The Times on Wednesday afternoon. “Right now, the league has no comment.”

McIntyre then added, “The league takes a dim view of racist comments.”

The suit further alleges the building’s management refused to accept rent checks from black tenants and later filed suit against them for failing to pay rent.

Sterling’s attorney last week called the lawsuit frivolous.

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Elton Brand laughed off a report in a Phoenix newspaper Wednesday that suggested he would sign a one-season qualifying offer to stay with the Clippers next season. Brand has said he will wait until the off-season to make a decision.