2014, Racism is Still Here

Sport organizations have faced a variety of disasters over the years that require serious work and repair. A crisis will appear over the worst of circumstances such as: child abuse, banned drug use, skewed gambling, scandals, rape and other sensitive subjects. Often times it comes as such a shock to the public when a star athlete (like Kobe Bryant or Tiger Woods) is portrayed as something unthinkable. The public puts these super star athletes at such a godlike level that it’s hard to comprehend these accusations on someone they look up to. Unfortunately, these events still happen to this day.

Last April, the NBA banned Donald Sterling (the LA Clippers Owner) for life over racist comments that enraged millions of athletes, fans, and sponsors. In fact, the NBA fined Sterling a small $2.5 million for the offensive comments. This isn’t the only racist remark from Sterling as well. Years ago, Sterling was involved in a lawsuit for discrimination against African Americans and Hispanics from one of his many housing properties.

Only the best, can say it the best, and that is Michael Jordan. Jordan, the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats said,

"As an owner, I'm obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views. ... As a former player, I'm completely outraged. There is no room in the NBA -- or anywhere else -- for the kind of racism and hatred that Mr. Sterling allegedly expressed."

Sterling’s comments even brought the attention of, arguably, the most powerful man in the world. President Obama commented,

"When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don't really have to do anything, you just let them talk. That's what happened here,"

This crisis proves that racism is still here, even in sports organizations that have been diminishing that very line for years. It’s miserable to watch a single man kill faith in humanity, especially in the growing culture of sports.