Donald Sterling's racist comments was all over the headlines and the formmer LA Clippers owner has spoken for the first time, even saying an apology, in the wake of the issue that has led to his unwanted exit as team owner. However, the former executive has not backed down as he criticized Magic Johnson.
On April 29, Donald Sterling's racist comments earned him a lifetime ban by the NBA and was fined $2.5 million for slur he has given towards black Americans. Recordings of these comments were released by TMZ.
Now, for the first time after the scandal broke into the mainstream, Donald Sterling has aired his side of the story through CNN's Anderson Cooper 360. There, he maintained his stance that he is not racist.
"I'm not a racist, I made a terrible, terrible mistake. And I'm here with you today to apologize and to ask for forgiveness for all the people that I've hurt," Sterling said.
In the same interview, the former team owner also took the opportunity to take jabs against former Los Angeles Laker superstar Magic Johnson, citing that it was Johnson who called him and told him to maintain his silence regarding the Donald Sterling racist comments issue.
He also slammed Magic Johnson for the former player's HIV illness and questioned his image as a public figure, but also believes that his involvement in the scandal is "irrelevant".
"He made love to every girl in every city in America, and he had AIDS. And we had those AIDS, I went to my synagogue and prayed for him," Sterling said. "I hoped he could live and be well."
"I didn't criticize him. I could have. Is he an example for children? Because he has money, he is able to treat himself. But Magic Johnson is irrelevant in this thing. He didn't do anything harmful to anybody, and I respect him and admire everything that he does," he added.
While the league itself has taken action on Donald Sterling, he still believes that all the hatred comes solely from the media, and that his players still love him, despite being banned from all team functions.
"Absolutely! They know I'm not a racist -- and I'm not a racist," Sterling insisted.
