Defending Donald Sterling – well not really

I’m beginning to wonder if there is such a thing as free speech, 🙊 even speech uttered in private. Donald Sterling may be all the horrible things people accuse him of, he may be a racist. He is clearly a jerk. Apparently, his past behavior has been consistent with his most recent comments. Let’s acknowledge he is a not a good guy and that as a society we don’t want to be racist.

But find me an American who has not uttered a racial or ethnic slur in public or private. Find me an American who does not have a right to make such statement or, for that matter, to be a jerk. And let’s be clear, such remarks are made by all racial and ethnic groups. Do we all wish it would all disappear? I suspect we do, but when humans are involved, achieving the ideal state is unlikely, nay impossible. 👼

Did Sterling break a law, does he discriminate against his minority players or sports fans, does he burn crosses or do anything actively hurting anyone? He exercised free speech as we all do, especially in private.

We have ways of expressing our displeasure on a personal basis, his associates can shun him, prospective players can turn down playing for the Clippers, fans can stay away and as they have, sponsors can say we don’t like this guy and withdraw support; all this as a personal exercise of judgement and acceptance or rejection of an individuals behavior.

But to ban a person from running their business, and to fine them for making racist remarks is scary stuff. Where does it end? What’s next, sanctions for thinking bad thoughts? I am offended by lyrics in some rap music demeaning women, promoting violence and racism. Why do Americans buy that junk and even make the “artists” heroes (and wealthy)? Where is the difference? I finally became sufficiently offended by the language and gross sexual dialog on Two and a Half Men to stop watching, but you can watch, nobody banned that show.

Make no mistake, I am not defending Sterling or his attitude, but I am defending free speech, even offending speech, especially speech said in private. That is far more important than Donald Sterling … who is qualified to cast the first stone?

In an unprecedented move, the National Basketball Association commissioner on Tuesday banned the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers from running his team or associating with the league for life, after recordings of his racist comments became public, causing outrage on the court and sending advertisers fleeing.

Commissioner Adam Silver also levied a $2.5 million fine against Clippers owner Donald Sterling and said he would urge the NBA’s Board of Governors take steps to force Mr. Sterling to sell the team. WSJ 4-30-14