Brand: Sterling comments nothing new
The racist remarks attributed to Clippers owner Donald Sterling are nothing new to Elton Brand.
The Hawks center played seven seasons for the Clippers. The latest issue came to light with the release of audio tapes in which a man said to be Sterling makes a number of racist comments about African Americans.
“It’s just sad,” Brand said Monday morning. “It’s just disgusting all the way around. I know social media makes it available instantly and people can react but there have been allegations for many, many years and nothing has been done.
“It’s sad that I know that (Donald Sterling) isn’t the only person in a power position that feels that way. It’s unfortunate.”
Brand said he had limited dealings with Sterling during his time in Los Angeles. He said the owner would come around after games “when we won.”
Hawks ownership spoke to the team following the release of the recordings, according to Brand. He said ownership made it clear that they and the NBA would not tolerate such speech.
“The alleged comments made by Donald Sterling are ignorant, offensive and very disturbing and have no place in our society,” Hawks co-owner Bruce Levenson told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Saturday night.
The NBA Players Association has enlisted the help of Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, a former player, in resolving the situation.
“Mayor Kevin Johnson was correct when he said that this is a defining moment for our league and that Sterling should be given the maximum penalty for his comments,” Levenson later said. “I strongly believe that the league has to have a zero-tolerance policy against racism and discrimination in any form and I have faith that Commissioner Adam Silver will act in what’s in the best interest of the league. I have expressed these views to Adam and my fellow owners.”
Brand said the Hawks have no plans as of yet for a show of solidarity with the Clippers players, currently in a playoff series with the Warriors. Clippers players immediately piled their warmups at center court before Sunday’s game. They also work their shooting attire inside out so the Clippers logo was not visible. Players for both the Rockets and Trail Blazers all wore black socks in Sunday night’s game as a show of support.
“I’m on the side on the union the players association,” Brand said. “We’ll let that take its course. Something needs to be done, something pretty harsh. We can’t have that. We just can’t have that.”
About the Author
Chris Vivlamore is the sports editor at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has served as reporter and editor at the AJC since 2003.
