IF ANYONE HAD hoped Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling would apologise for his racist comments, they will be disappointed.
In his first published comments since NBA commissioner Adam Silver banned the 80-year-old business magnate for life and demanded a $2.5million fine, Sterling appeared more sorry for allowing his conversation with girlfriend V. Stiviano to become public than for what he actually said.
DuJour.com quoted Sterling as saying: “I wish I had just paid her off.”
Just over a week ago, a recording of a conversation – that is supposed to be between Sterling and Stiviano – was broadcast by TMZ where the Clippers owner tells his girlfriend not to publicly associate with African-Americans.
But in an interview on ABC program ’20/20′ on Friday, Stiviano claimed Sterling should apologise but declared he is not racist.
“I don’t believe that in my heart,” Stiviano said. ”I think the things he says are not what he feels. Anybody can say anything in the heat of the moment.
“I think Mr Sterling is from a different generation than I am. I think he was brought up to believe those things. Segregation. Whites and blacks.
“Through his actions, he’s shown he’s not a racist. Through his actions, he’s shown to be a generous and kind man.”
Sterling has been ordered to sell the Clippers due to his life ban from the NBA.
