Donald Sterling recently sat down for an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper that will air on Monday night. The discussion features Sterling’s first public apology as well as a half-hearted apology to Magic Johnson.
“The only one I’ve talked to is Magic Johnson — twice,” Sterling told Cooper. “He knew the girl, he said. He knew the girl well. If I said anything wrong, I’m sorry. He’s a good person and he…”
At that point, Sterling looked like he was making a conscious effort to refrain from saying something that would get him into further trouble. He then made it clear that he is not Magic’s biggest fan.
“What am I gonna say?” Sterling asked. “Has he done everything he can do to help minorities? I don’t think so. But I’ll say it, you know, he’s great. I just don’t think he is a good example for the children of Los Angeles.”
Johnson and Sterling obviously don’t like each other. How much of that has to do with Sterling’s history of racism is unclear, but Sterling probably views Johnson as a threat on some level. Magic has admitted he is interested in buying the Los Angeles Clippers, and we know the NBA would consider any proposal from him and his billionaire backers.
As for the stuff about Magic not being a good example for the children of LA, we’re not really sure what Sterling is referring to. Perhaps he will reveal more in the full interview.
