Filipinos supports LA Clippers despite racist remarks by Donald Sterling

April 30, 2014

By Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America Bureau

It’s rare for the NBA Playoffs first round to gain such widespread attention but when racism is involved it becomes a new chapter in America’s civil rights movement.

Filipino basketball fans showed up at the Staples Center in support of their team and equality.

They also support the National Basketball Association’s decision to hand down a life time ban on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling as well as a $2.5 million dollar fine.

He will also be forced to sell the team.

Effective immediately I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organization or the NBA. Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices. He may not be present at any Clippers facility and he may not participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

It was a sigh of relief for Filipinos after a phone recording of the 80-year-old making racist remarks was released causing an uproar throughout the country.

“I think it’s about time Donald Sterling suffered the consequences because it’s been a long time that racism exists here in America,” said Ardie Guzman of Glendale, Calif.

“I think it was really disturbing and really heart breaking as a long time fan,” said Clipper fan Gerry Cabrerra.

“It’s terrible. We’re actually on our way home we drove from Las Vegas this morning and we want to stop to support the people in Los Angeles against that terrible owner that they’ve got, said Hawaii resident Allan Borges.

While fans continue to support the players they hope the team who had been caught in the controversy can go back to their winning ways.

The Clippers lost to the Golden State Warriors by 21 points shortly after the controversy broke out Sunday.

But on Tuesday the Clippers went on to win bringing them one game closer to the second round of the playoffs.

“You know, this last, you know, three or four days have been very difficult for everybody involved. And no matter what the race is, it has been difficult. And I thought Adam Silver today was fantastic. He made a decision that really was the right one, that had to be made,” said LA Clippers coach Doc Rivers.

Despite Sterling’s history of alleged discrimination and the reputation of being frugal, the team which has only found success in recent years has held cultural nights for its fans including an annual Filipino heritage night since 2009.

As Filipino Clippers fans continue to cheer for their players they are looking forward to offseason changes when Donald Sterling is expected to sell the team.

Among reported possible buyers, a hometown favorite, Magic Johnson.