Donald Sterling asks for forgiveness, but claims he was 'baited' into making racist remarks
In Donald Sterling's first public interview since his racist remarks got him banned from the NBA, he tells Anderson Cooper that he wants to apologize. Sterling describes how the scandal is hurting his family, including his wife who he refers to as his ex-wife. But when it comes to the now infamous recordings, Sterling claims his friend V. Stiviano 'baited' him into making those racist remarks.
Sterling claims his remarks were motivated by jealousy not racism
Donald Sterling asks Anderson Cooper, "Did you ever like a girl and were ever jealous a little bit if she was with other guys?" Sterling was trying to make the case that the comments at the center of the scandal were really motivated by his jealousy and not racism. But Anderson confronts Sterling with his own words.
Is Donald Sterling planning to fight to keep his ownership of the Clippers?
The NBA did not just ban Donald Sterling for life, the league is taking action to force him to sell his share of the L.A. Clippers. When Anderson asked Sterling if he is willing to give up ownership, he said I doesn't think that's what the league wants. Sterling describes himself as "a good owner," he claims the Clippers players love him.
Donald Sterling on Magic Johnson: I mean he made love to every girl in every city in America and he had AIDS
Donald Sterling was caught on tape telling V. Stiviano that he does not want her taking pictures with African-Americans including Magic Johnson. Speaking to Anderson, Sterling launched a string of verbal attacks against the NBA legend. Sterling questioned Johnson's actions during this scandal, his philanthropy and lifestyle. At one point, Sterling asked "what kind of a guy goes to every city, has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV. Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about?"
Filmmaker Spike Lee listened to Donald Sterling's comments about Magic Johnson. He told Anderson, "he's delusional and he's not in touch with today's world. He's back there with 'Leave it to Beaver."
Inside Donald Sterling's relationship with V. Stiviano
She recorded private conversations with Donald Sterling. He claims she 'baited' him into making racist remarks. She may even have more recordings of their private moments. Despite all of that, Donald Sterling breaks down while discussing his feelings for V. Stiviano.
Donald Sterling speaks exclusively to Anderson Cooper
Donald Sterling is doing much more than just apologizing in his exclusive interview with Anderson Cooper. The L.A. Clippers owner is speaking out publicly for the first time since recordings of his racist remarks led to a lifetime ban from the NBA.
Sterling addresses the remarks, which he referred to as "one mistake after 35 years." He tells Anderson he waited so long to publicly apologize saying, "I'm wrong. I caused the problem. I don't know how to correct it."
Some of Sterling's most surprising comments were about basketball legend Magic Johnson. Sterling was heard on the audiotape telling his friend V. Stiviano that he did not want her taking photos with African-Americans including Johnson. In the AC360 interivew, Sterling says he has spoken to Johnson and told him "If I said anyting wrong I'm sorry." Sterling then called Johnson a "good man," but also said "I don't think he's a good example for the children of Los Angeles."
Sterling also spoke about his love of the Clippers. When Anderson asked about the team protesting him by practicing for a playoff game by turning their jerseys inside out, Sterling said, "I really didn't pay attention to it. They are Clippers and they are mine, and I'm theirs.”
When it comes to the racist remarks he made to V. Stiviano, Sterling defended his actions saying, "I was baited, it’s not the way I talk."
Anderson Cooper and Donald Sterling spoke for well over an hour. Anderson said he found Sterling to be "well aware of everything he is saying.” Anderson discussed the inside story of his interview on CNN's New Day.
