2013-2014 NBA Thread - IND @ WAS and OKC @ LAC on ESPN

[antidope]

Zero faith in this happening. Sterling has no reason to sell the team, especially after he owned it through all the bad years and now is finally reaping the benefits of them being good.

The only way it gets sold is if they drastically overpay for it

You make it sound like he's not the reason they sucked all those years . He just for some reason decided to put some effort into actually building the team recently

That's also true, but even more reason why he probably won't sell. He finally cares about it and now people want him to give it away.

It is a hard sell that's all I will say. I expect dude to own that team until death.

 

[buc em]

You guys act like Troy Daniels is 14 years old just because he's a rookie. Dude is about to be 23 years old...he's considered a man. Iverson was going straight at the greatest player of all time the minute he stepped in the league at like 19-20. The NBA needs some more trash talking and less buddy buddying these days. Complete non-issue.

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

Yea I feel there is a lot of behind the scenes stuff going on that will have sterling keeping his job unless players/owners decide to take a real stand. It is odd that this is the guy Stern gifted CP3, there were rumors of trickery when they got billups too. NBA should come under fire when the conversation eventually turns to how he's always been racist and the things they've allowed him to get away with.

Players got bent over in cba negotiations and now they're just gonna sit back and let this happen. They are all on hush and this probably won't even be a story by this time next week

 

[pmatic]

It'll be all good when Sterling passes and Magic buys the Clippers.

 

[bravelude]

love seeing d12 lose.

 

[$tacy]

Omg moe talking trash to a rookie omg cry me a river, its basketball. Once u step on that court your a pro, your in the NBA no matter how u got there or how old u are. Shows these guys are out there going at each other and not bffs who don't wanna beat each other.

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

I know everybody just wants to enjoy the game and not talk about anything serious but I grew up idolizing these guys because I thought they were strong and powerful. If sterling is still around and these dudes play for him at staples next game I'm done with this league. These guys are nothing but cowards if that happens. All it takes is one person to say they're not playing until he's dealt with, doesn't even have to be a clipper because it affects everyone. As long as you keep playing this guy is just a side story. If you take a stand it forces all the attention on the reason why and there's no escaping it.

These guys have the resources and the status to make some real change and they are doing the absolute least they could do. Remind me of the guy from the matrix that just wanted to stay sleep so he could eat steak and not worry about the real world.

If you are a person that has any interest in how the world is run and have done your own research on that then you'll know the "culture" sterling talked about in the unedited tape is very real and it won't be changed until fools stop being a slave to a dollar bill

 

[pmatic]

What's next for NBA in Donald Sterling case from a legal standpoint?

A recording purportedly of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling making racist remarks about Magic Johnson and African-Americans, including those who attend Clippers games, has been made public by TMZ. The remarks purportedly occurred during a recent argument between Sterling and his girlfriend, V. Stiviano. The NBA is investigating. Below I break down how the NBA's investigation may play out and potential legal ramifications for Sterling, the NBA and Clippers players.

Step 1 for NBA: Confirming the authenticity of the recording

The league's first step is to confirm that the recording is in fact of Sterling and was not doctored in any way. This is an important step because the league has a fiduciary duty to conduct its investigations fairly and consistent with internal rules of procedure. If Sterling were to later sue the NBA, the league would want to establish that it responded responsibly to the allegations before taking any corrective action. In a statement released to TMZ, Clippers president Clippers president Andy Roeser raises the possibility the recording may have been altered and emphasizes Stiviano "is the defendant in a lawsuit brought by the Sterling family alleging that she embezzled more than $1.8 million..."

Confirming the authenticity of the recording could prove difficult. The original recording is presumably in the possession of TMZ. The NBA, as a private business, has no subpoena power to force TMZ or any other entity to turn it over. TMZ may be reluctant to share the original recording, especially if it was obtained on the condition that it would not be shared. TMZ may also be reluctant to share the recording because the recording itself could be unlawful.

Under California penal law, it is a crime to intentionally record a confidential conversation without the consent of the person or persons being recorded. This type of eavesdropping also empowers victims of the unlawful recording to sue for money damages. TMZ's own exposure to liability is far less than the person or persons who made the recording. TMZ is a media company with broad First Amendment rights, especially on matters that are newsworthy. Still, media companies can be sued for publication of private facts, and Sterling, an attorney by trade, could consider legal action.

Without possession of the original recording, the NBA would attempt to confirm the authenticity of the version of the recording that has been made available on TMZ.com. A voice recognition specialist who can compare Sterling's voice with that of the male on the recording would likely be used. The NBA would also want audio specialists to ensure there are no unusual breaks or pauses in the recording that would suggest the placement of words had been altered.

Step 2: Interview Sterling and compile evidence

If the NBA confirms that the recording is of Sterling and has not been doctored, it would ask him to meet as soon as possible with Silver and the NBA's top lawyer, Rick Buchanan. They would ask Sterling questions ranging from why he made racist remarks to whether his attitudes about race have in any way impacted the Clippers business model. The NBA's primary interest is ensuring that no team conducts itself in ways that violates discrimination laws, whether it be in the hiring and retention of team staff to the sales of tickets and merchandise. Also, federal and state civil rights laws prohibit privately owned businesses that offer entertainment from discriminating on the basis of race.

At this point, there is no reason to believe that the Clippers as a team discriminate on the basis of race. Along those lines, Sterling's personal views about African-Americans and even African-Americans at Clippers games do not prove that his business acts in racist ways. It is worth noting, however, that in former Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor's original wrongful termination lawsuit against the team, he claimed he was treated worse by the team because of his race. The racism claim was dropped from Baylor's case and a jury would later side for the Clippers.

Sterling, as an NBA owner, cannot as a practical matter be uncooperative with the NBA. He is obligated to comply with league investigations. The franchise agreement between NBA team owners and the NBA makes clear that owners will follow the league's constitution and bylaws.

Among Adam Silver's powers as commissioner is to ensure that the "best interests" of the game are preserved. Part of that power includes conducting investigations and, if necessary, levying sanctions on teams, owners, employees and players. The NBA has fined owners in the past, including $500,000 fines for Mark Cuban (criticizing officials) and Micky Arison (tweeting on the NBA lockout). If Sterling chooses not to comply with an NBA investigation, the league would have the legal authority to levy substantial fines and suspend him.

In addition to interviewing Sterling, the NBA would likely also ask to meet with Stiviano. She may be reluctant to meet with the NBA, however, especially if she recorded the conversation. If she recorded the conversation, Stiviano may be concerned about the possibility of criminal charges or Sterling suing her. Also, her conversations with the NBA could be subpoenaed by law enforcement, even if the NBA agreed to speak with her confidentially. Stiviano is under no legal obligation to meet with the NBA.

The NBA would also likely interview Clippers employees and players, as well as former employees and players, about their interactions with Sterling. The National Basketball Players' Association would surely ask to be involved in those discussions, as it has an interest in ensuring a non-hostile work environment for NBA players.

Step 3: Fining or suspending Sterling

If the NBA concludes that Sterling acted irresponsibly and damaged the league's image, the NBA's most likely remedial action would be to fine Sterling. The problem for the NBA would be that even a record-breaking fine of an NBA owner -- say $1 million or $5 million -- may not feel like much of a punishment for Sterling. According to Forbes, Sterling is worth in the neighborhood of $1.9 billion. Also, at age 80 or 81 (his exact official birth date remains something of a mystery, but it was reportedly in 1933), a fine of relatively small magnitude may prove even less effectual. The fear is that Sterling would respond with something akin to, "I don't care." On the other hand, any fine paid by Sterling would be given to charity and millions of dollars donated to a cause such as fighting racism would serve a good purpose.

The NBA could levy a more significant punishment in the form of a suspension. The NBA has the authority to suspend an owner. While the league has not used that authority, it could here.

Other leagues have taken this step. Baseball twice suspended Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott, the first time for one-year and the second for two-years. Her suspensions arose from racist remarks about African-Americans and favorable comments about Adolph Hitler. MLB also suspended Yankees owner George Steinbrenner for hiring a private investigator to conduct negative research on Dave Winfield.

Some NBA owners may be uncomfortable with the league suspending an owner. Even if they find Sterling's alleged comments reprehensible, owners may worry about the precedent it would set. In that vein, if Silver can suspend an owner in this instance, might he use that power against them in other situations? Might he suspend an owner for criticizing referees or tweeting sensitive information, rather than merely fine him? Expect there to be significant resistance by NBA owners to suspending Sterling.

Step 4: Expelling Sterling from the NBA and defending a possible lawsuit by Sterling

It is well known that some league officials and owners would like to see Sterling leave the NBA. Sterling has faced accusations of racism for years, including having to defend a housing lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice. The NBA also knows that wealthy NBA fans like Steve Ballmer and Chris Hansen—who sought to buy the Kings and relocate them to Seattle—would jump at the first chance to own an NBA team.

Forcibly removing Sterling from the NBA is unlikely to happen. The NBA's constitution, which is confidential, reportedly contains language permitting owners to authorize the league to sell a team without an owner's consent. The language, SI.com is told, only covers very limited circumstances and these circumstances concern team finances -- namely, when an owner can't pay his bills.

There is reportedly no language authorizing the NBA to sell a team because of an owner's hurtful remarks or embarrassing behavior. Even if constitutional language could be construed to authorize a forced sale of the Clippers, NBA owners would likely be reluctant to do so given the precedent it would set.

Removing Sterling from the NBA, however, may not be necessary to effectively remove him from the Clippers. The NBA could suspend Sterling indefinitely and encourage him to sell the team. The Sacramento Kings were sold last year for an amount that equates to $534 million. It stands to reason the Clippers—which Sterling purchased in 1981 for $12.5 million—would be worth well in excess of $700 million.

The NBA could take a bolder step and take over the day-to-day operations of the Clippers, much like Major League Baseball did with the Dodgers and its embattled owner, Frank McCourt. The Dodgers, however, were experiencing payroll problems; there is no reason to believe the Clippers are experiencing any financial troubles.

The NBA must also be concerned about the possibility of Sterling suing the NBA and owners, such as for breach of the Clippers franchise agreement or for violations of federal and state antitrust law. NBA franchise agreements contain language that limit the ability of owners to sue the NBA and other owners. This language is known as "waiver of recourse", which means that an owner, by virtue of owning an NBA team, voluntarily waives away legal recourses he or she might otherwise have against the NBA and owners.

The waiver would likely aid the NBA in regards to a contract breach claim, but courts are generally unwilling to extend waivers to antitrust claims. A potential antitrust claim by Sterling against the NBA would be that his competitors (other NBA owners) and the NBA have conspired to expel him. By doing so, the logic goes, Sterling would have to sell his team at less than market value because prospective buyers would know that Sterling "has to" sell. As a result, he would attract lower bids. Under federal antitrust law, any damages Sterling receives would be automatically multiplied by three. He may have additional claims under California antitrust law.

Clippers players boycotting games

Clippers players would send a powerful message to Sterling by boycotting a game. Such a maneuver, however, would be in direct violation of their employment contracts. The players would be suspended by the NBA and potentially face significant fines, especially since the NBA would have to refund money to those fans buying tickets. It is worth noting, however, that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from fining individuals for opposing discrimination. NBA contracts can also not "contract around" civil rights protections, meaning NBA players who boycott games over an owners' racism may be protected under the law.

Michael McCann is a Massachusetts attorney and the founding director of the Sports and Entertainment Law Institute at the University of New Hampshire School of Law. He is also the distinguished visiting Hall of Fame Professor of Law at Mississippi College School of Law.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20140426/donald-sterling-la-clippers-adam-silver-nba/

 

[blastercombo]

Another Beverly loss

Good

 

[antidope]

Under California penal law, it is a crime to intentionally record a confidential conversation without the consent of the person or persons being recorded. This type of eavesdropping also empowers victims of the unlawful recording to sue for money damages. TMZ's own exposure to liability is far less than the person or persons who made the recording. TMZ is a media company with broad First Amendment rights, especially on matters that are newsworthy. Still, media companies can be sued for publication of private facts, and Sterling, an attorney by trade, could consider legal action.

Well this is problematic. I'm pretty sure that this is exactly how the tape was obtained, so what can really happen here? Even if they go the other route and just use the online version, it just seem

The problem for the NBA would be that even a record-breaking fine of an NBA owner -- say $1 million or $5 million -- may not feel like much of a punishment for Sterling. According to Forbes, Sterling is worth in the neighborhood of $1.9 billion. Also, at age 80 or 81 (his exact official birth date remains something of a mystery, but it was reportedly in 1933), a fine of relatively small magnitude may prove even less effectual. The fear is that Sterling would respond with something akin to, "I don't care."

Yup, we've all come to agree that he wont care. No one with money like that would care. Thats a drop in the bucket.

As much as the owners may be apprehensive to doing so, suspending him is the only viable option here. Its not going to do much of anything, but thats all that can be done really. Suspend him and wait for dude to kick the bucket (as bad as that sounds)

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

^ignoring all the legal aspects of the recording, regardless how the tape was obtained, at the end of the day your boss is a racist, everybody knows he's a racist, and now everybody that didn't know, knows. He's basically throwing it in your face "I'm racist I don't give a **** about you I just like ******* your women and the way you pay me. What are you gonna do about it?" "Imma keep on workin hard boss!"

C'mon....give me some hope for humanity and refuse to play if this guy is not suspended ASAP. I guess you can give them a pass because maybe they were led to believe this would be dealt with accordingly but if he's still around when the next game rolls around....even Lisa Leslie was going hard on these dudes in the post game show. C'mon now....

"We're going to be very aggressive about this"

*turns jersey inside out*

seriously wtf is that? Do something!

 

[jjs07]

Wizards are playing the bulls... That's saying nothing.

Says nothing? Get outta here.

According to MANY people, the Bulls were a team no one wanted to face when the playoffs rolled around. Now that they are getting their butts kicked, narrative has changed. Ol' wishy-washy dudes on here. Trying to discredit the Wizards at the expense of the Bulls. Some real clown *** ****.

 

[illicit305]

 

his girl to the right is bad af 

 

[antidope]

^ignoring all the legal aspects of the recording, regardless how the tape was obtained, at the end of the day your boss is a racist, everybody knows he's a racist, and now everybody that didn't know, knows. He's basically throwing it in your face "I'm racist I don't give a **** about you I just like ******* your women and the way you pay me. What are you gonna do about it?" "Imma keep on workin hard boss!"


C'mon....give me some hope for humanity and refuse to play if this guy is not suspended ASAP. I guess you can give them a pass because maybe they were led to believe this would be dealt with accordingly but if he's still around when the next game rolls around....even Lisa Leslie was going hard on these dudes in the post game show. C'mon now....

The thing is we dont know what happens if the Clippers decide not to play. I dont want to include the rest of the league in this yet, becuase it would have to start with the Clippers but what happens here? Do they forfiet the games? Do the playoffs just get delayed(The less likely of the two options because I just dont think they're going to halt basketball on one teams account). The players get fined, the fans miss games that they've already paid and scheduled for, it just creates a mess.

Those things mentioned have nothing to do with what I think the players should do, but there needs to be more information provided before people start jumping the gun with "X should do Y". People are asking too much of them with little to no information right now.

Clippers players would send a powerful message to Sterling by boycotting a game. Such a maneuver, however, would be in direct violation of their employment contracts. The players would be suspended by the NBA and potentially face significant fines, especially since the NBA would have to refund money to those fans buying tickets. It is worth noting, however, that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employers from fining individuals for opposing discrimination. NBA contracts can also not "contract around" civil rights protections, meaning NBA players who boycott games over an owners' racism may be protected under the law.

This is basically all that we know, the players would lose their salaries, but not be subject to legal action since this is a civil rights issue, but it would cause a ripple effect that I dont think people have taken into consideration. Something has to be done, but in due time. Rash decision making is not the move right now.

 

his girl to the right is bad af 

Thats his wife, Ayesha Curry and yes she is.

 

[cashbanks]

Idc what the repercussions you sit out the game

How do you keep playing and lining this dudes pockets?

They had the leverage they sit something has to happen NBA isn't gonna flush all that money down the toilet

Now he'll more than likely get a ******** fine and/or suspension and these clowns will be right back to playing for him

If nothing else if I'm CP3 I come out and make it known I'm finishing the playoffs with my team but I will not suit up for the clippers next year if sterling is the owner

Dudes should be pushing for real change and some respect from the league especially after they got rolled in the new CBA dudes too scared to make waves tho

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

The thing is we dont know what happens if the Clippers decide not to play. I dont want to include the rest of the league in this yet, becuase it would have to start with the Clippers but what happens here? Do they forfiet the games? Do the playoffs just get delayed(The less likely of the two options because I just dont think they're going to halt basketball on one teams account). The players get fined, the fans miss games that they've already paid and scheduled for, it just creates a mess

EXACTLY! That's exactly what needs to happen. Make it as messy as possible to draw attention and awareness so something gets done. Fans paid for tickets, interrupting the playoffs...all that is insignificant to the real issue. As long as you keep playing you're sending the message that the game is more important than your self respect. Cp3's statement that they are players and they owe it to the fans to keep playing is straight bull ****. You're a man before you're a damn basketball player and you owe it to yourself to have some type of pride

 

[tim teufel]

Harden has taken 103 shots in four games shooting 34% from the floor. Disgusting

 

[90sera]

Says nothing? Get outta here.

According to MANY people, the Bulls were a team no one wanted to face when the playoffs rolled around. Now that they are getting their butts kicked, narrative has changed. Ol' wishy-washy dudes on here. Trying to discredit the Wizards at the expense of the Bulls. Some real clown *** ****.

All of this. The broadcast team during the Nets game said how they tanked to avoid playing the Bulls. Feels so good to to see folks finally seeing what I've known all season. That being how good the Wizards actually are at all positions.

 

[buc em]

Sterling is a crazy old racist bastard, but I don't see how anyone thinks that he's going to be suspended for something he said during a confidential conversation telling his girlfriend not to bring certain people to his basketball games.

There was obviously a strong motive for her to even record their conversation ($$$$).....if anything that girl is going to be the one in some deep **** for selling a recording of a confidential conversation to TMZ.

Riley Cooper actually plays and is in the locker room every day with black people and he was at a country music concert saying he was gonna "beat every N'er in here" and not a thing happened to him from the league.

 

[nomadicsole21]

You guys really expect these dudes to sit their next game though? C'mon, it's the playoffs. If it was the regular season fine, sit out, protest, whatever. These players work hard their whole career/season long to get where they are and yall just expect em to sit out to send a message to their owner, the league and the country? I doubt i and it will be pointless. Handle this in the post-season, if they really don't wanna be employed by Donald Sterling then leave. I'll take a CP3, BG on my team anyday.

Sterling has been a known racist, dirty businessman and owner for years. The thing is, no one used to care because the Clippers organization(no shots at the fanbase) has been trash. Now that they are winning and popular it's all big news. I'll support the players all day, but sitting out a Playoff Game 5 with the series tied? Nahh

 

[sea manup]

i dont see whats wrong with what mo williams did, this isnt little league basketball where everyone pats the new guy on the back for having a good game. its the playoffs, mo should be getting into the kids head and making him doubt himself

 

[tim teufel]

Please at the end of the day they are getting paid millions to play. It wouldnt be fair to their fan base if they let this get to them. I feel sorry for sterling you can tell hes a miserable old man with nothing but money and nothing else

 

[mr marcus]

at first I said sit out but honestly if they can get the fans to blackout the game and have a whole bunch of signs detesting his statements I'll be happy

 

[mr marcus]

Please at the end of the day they are getting paid millions to play. It wouldnt be fair to their fan base if they let this get to them. I feel sorry for sterling you can tell hes a miserable old man with nothing but money and nothing else

he's been a racist for decades before he became an "old man" .....stop defending that bigot unless I'm allowed to group you with his thoughts/feelings

 

[AEA18]

Please at the end of the day they are getting paid millions to play. It wouldnt be fair to their fan base if they let this get to them. I feel sorry for sterling you can tell hes a miserable old man with nothing but money and nothing else