Donald Sterling's racist comment could be just the tip of the iceberg as the LA Clipper owner's wife was also embroiled in her own racism controversy back in 2009.

Shelly Sterling, who criticized her husband in a statement released on Monday, was actually the respondent in a 2009 deposition in relation to a federal discrimination suit against the couple.

In a report by New York Daily News, citing public documents, tenant Darrell Rhodes stated in his affidavit that when he asked about possibly reducing the rent, Shelley Sterling reportedly told them off in a manner that's reminiscent or even worse than Donald Sterling's racist comment.

In his complaint, Rhodes narrated: "I asked her, 'Would you reduce the rent?' " Rhodes recalled in the deposition. "And she said, 'Who do you think you are, you black motherf-----?

"The way in which she said motherf----- was more lower voiced, under her breath. She said black loud enough for me to hear. She said mother loud enough for me to hear. F--- part was a little lower. I had to look at her lips to hear her say it. And I did," the complaint said, per NY Daily News.

The discrimination suit, which was filed because the Sterlings reportedly wanted to force out the blacks and Latinos for their rental properties, was settled for $2.765 million in favor of the minority tenants, according to L.A. Times.

Donald Sterling's racist comment, which was first leaked by TMZ, earned for the L.A. Clippers owner a lifetime ban from the NBA. Commissioner Adam Silver made the on Tuesday along with a $2.5 million fine, the most the NBA can impose, for the billionaire.

Donald Sterling's racist comment was recorded on audio when he prohibited V. Stiviano from bringing over her African-American friends to Clippers games or to upload photos on her Instagram account beside former Lakers guard Magic Johnson.

Shelley Sterling then released a statement claiming that the family, including their children, doesn't share the L.A. Clippers owner's views.