If you've been on the internet lately you've undoubtedly seen at least one post in favor of, and one post opposed to the punishment handed down from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, to Clipper's owner Donald Sterling. In addition to a $2.5 Million fine, Sterling is banned for life from the NBA. Here are Silver's exact words:
“Effective immediately, I am banning Mr. Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organization or the NBA,” Silver said. “Mr. Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices. He may not be present at any Clippers facility. He may not participate in any business or player personnel decisions involving the team. He will also be barred from attending NBA Board of Governors meetings or participating in any other league activity... I will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force the sale of the team, I will do everything in my power to ensure that that happens. … I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners.”
The biggest argument I've seen against the punishment is that "This is America, and we have free speech." That is true, this is America, you can legally say whatever you want to say. I actually saw someone post, "This is America. We can hate who we want and like who we want. We can even publicly speak out against the people we hate." It is true. You can talk about how much you hate people until you are blue in the face and the American government can not do anything to you.
However, this situation is completely different. Mr. Sterling represents an organization. That organization has a reputation to uphold, as well as ideals that it feels the need to stand up for. The NBA is one of the most respected sports organizations when it comes to racial equality, and the treatment of minorities in the organization. As an organization the NBA has the freedom to only associate with people who hold to their same values. Free speech does not mean you cannot get fired or punished for expressing your beliefs by your employer. It means that you cannot be thrown in jail for expressing your beliefs.
As a pastor, there are things that I could say that would most assuredly get me fired from my job. Rightfully so. I'm glad that we live in an America that sees injustice and fights it. I hope that Mr. Sterling learns from his mistakes, and really does some soul searching through this process. The whole thing is a sad day for America, for the NBA, and for equality.
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