Readers React: Donald Sterling’s words and deeds
Re “Pressure mounts on Sterling,” April 28
I don’t know what is more offensive: Donald Sterling’s racist views, or his companion’s pursuit of a relationship with a man almost 60 years her senior.
Neither person’s behavior is surprising. A privileged, racist 80-year-old white man is not really exceptional. And a twentysomething apparently seeking revenge after benefiting from the old man’s largesse only serves to reinforce unpleasant stereotypes. Shame on them both.
Kathy Landis
Laguna Woods
For those who are involved with tenants rights and the fight against anti-discriminatory housing practices, it has been no secret that Sterling, who made his fortune in real estate investments, harbors racist attitudes.
For example, in 2006, he was sued by the federal government for discriminating against black tenants. The case was settled in 2009 for $2.7 million. He has tangled with public interest law groups and tenants rights groups over discriminatory housing practices for years.
Sterling has no business owning a sports franchise in a city known for its diversity. I went to the Clippers’ opening playoff game and was struck by the multiracial makeup of the fans who put money in his pocket.
The NBA must step forward and force a change of ownership.
Pete R. Navarro
Los Angeles
The writer is a member of the Los Angeles Affordable Housing Commission.
A Clippers boycott would punish the wrong people. The team didn’t do anything but work hard.
I recommend the opposite approach: Fill up Staples Center and L.A. Live with people of every race, color and creed. Let the powers that be deal with Sterling, and don’t let him “win” by not showing up to support the team.
Stephanie O’Neill
Lawndale
Along with the hideous hypocrisy of Sterling owning an athletic team whose composition is primarily African American, the pathetic hypocrisy of the L.A. chapter of the NAACP is equally galling.
Sterling’s propensity for racist behavior is known. It seems that the local NAACP chapter has been all too willing to forgive and feign ignorance as long as Sterling made financial contributions.
I say “go ahead” to the NAACP: It should present its award to Sterling. Anything less at this point would be even more hypocritical.
Donna Clemons
Armona, Calif.
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