Sterling CNN interview described as ‘meltdown,’ ‘train wreck’
The Los Angeles Clippers owner, whom the NBA banned two weeks ago over racist statements, told Anderson Cooper he was ‘baited’ into making them, then went off on Magic Johnson.
Sterling, who was banned from the NBA on April 30 over racist statements he made in a phone call to his girlfriend, started with an apology, asking for forgiveness. “I’m wrong. I caused the problem. I don’t know how to correct it,” he said.
Not a bad start. But then things started to go sour.
He claimed that his girlfriend, V. Stivano, baited him into making the statements that got him banned. He repeatedly called Stivano, who he said is a “good person,” “the girl.” He also mentioned her “15 Hispanic brothers and sisters.”
He went on to unload on former L.A. Lakers star Magic Johnson, saying he should “be ashamed of himself” for having HIV and isn’t “a good example for the children of Los Angeles.”
Here’s a clip:
Sterling said he prayed for Johnson “when he had those AIDS.” Johnson has actually not contracted full-blown AIDS.
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