AC360 Exclusive: Donald Sterling talks about racism, his marriage and the future ownership of the Clippers
Donald Sterling is on the verge of losing his basketball team and his marriage. But is he ready to fight to hold onto either of them? In his exclusive interview with Anderson Cooper, Sterling discusses his impending divorce. When it comes to the NBA, he says "I want to show all of the people that are associated with basketball and the world I'm not a racist."
Throughout his interview with Anderson Cooper, Donald Sterling denies being a racist. When asked whether he believes racism is still a problem in America, Sterling said "I think America handles everything well."
Donald Sterling's racist comments came as no surprise to NBA Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor. He sued the Clippers after more than two decades as the team's general manager. In the lawsuit, he described Sterling as having a "plantation-type" mentality. Sterling responded to that, along with allegations that he would bring women into the team locker room while telling them to look at players' "beautiful black bodies."
During the interview, Donald Sterling referred to his wife Shelly as his "ex-wife." He explained to Anderson what went wrong in their relationship.
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.
On Twitter
