UPDATE (8:55 AM PST): Kobe Bryant took to Twitter on Monday morning and believes Donald Sterling should not continue owning the Clippers and says this is where fans need to appreciate the Buss family:
In times like this is where we need to appreciate the Buss family!! #DrB #Jeanie #Jimmy #thankyou #LakerNation
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 28, 2014
No. He should not continue owning the clippers. #nochance #noway #nohow
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 28, 2014
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On top of a Saturday full of NBA playoff games, news of a tape obtained by TMZ in which Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling allegedly made racist comments is creating headlines. In the recording, Sterling allegedly tells his girlfriend he doesn’t want African-Americans attending Clipper games and also mentioned Magic Johnson.
According to his Twitter, Kobe Bryant responded to the alleged comments and admits he could not play for the Clippers owner:
I couldn't play for him
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 26, 2014
Bryant joins Magic Johnson and many players who have responded to Sterling’s alleged comments. Bryant almost became a Clipper in 2004 as a free agent, but ultimately remained with the Lakers.
This isn’t the first time Bryant has commented on racial issues. Last December, NFL Legend Jim Brown described Bryant as “somewhat confused about culture” due to his upbringing overseas. Just like the Sterling situation, Bryant also took to Twitter and questioned Brown’s statements as being against the teachings of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King.
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While the NBA is still in the process of investigating the tape, Sterling has had a long history with this type of behavior. Former Lakers Hall of Famer and Clippers general manager, Elgin Baylor, filed a lawsuit against Sterling claiming his dismissal was partially based on his race. Baron Davis who previously played for Sterling has come out and claimed Sterling heckled him when he played there.
Meanwhile, Bryant is getting ready for next season with a six-month training program. The Lakers are hoping to build a championship contending team this off-season and get back to their winning ways.
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Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Meets With Jim Buss, ‘Goal Is To Win And Win Now’