Racism….Even when African Americans are Making You Money!

Kenyatta Berryhill

Race and Ethnicity

Simon Weffer

Blog #3

Racism….Even when African Americans are Making You Money!

Although the blow up about Donald Sterling is recent, the comment that made this national was stated a while ago.  It is a lot of talk about racism in sports, but this incident was just a small token to show how real the rumors are. A lot of talk was about rather Donald sterling should be taken in to account for what he said because it was in private. Overall, yes I do believe he should be accountable for what he said.  Donald holds a higher position in society which has rules written/unwritten that has to be abided.

The punishment Donald Sterling received was a little too lenient for someone who has billions. The NBA commissioner made an announcement that Donald is fined $2.5 million and is banned for lifetime. In class, we definitely talked about the low pricing of the fine. According to CNN, the $2.5 million is the max amount allowed per league guidelines. The net worth of these basketball team owners are well over a couple million. Why threaten them with something as small as “pocket change”? This punishment was not good enough period! How can a national corporation inflict no racism tolerance, but make the consequences mild in comparison to a severe situation. This was supposed to be a lesson to the other owners, but their income is beyond this little fine. The racism in the NBA won’t stop unless more severe actions are taken. Someone who has a billion dollar net worth doesn’t care about being banned nor the fine inflicted. It’s time to switch these consequences up!

Although the fine is bad, my overall reaction to this whole incident was a little shy of what I thought it would be. As an owner of the Clippers, majority of the players are African American. They took a stand, by not wearing their jerseys, but wearing plain red shirts. I like the idea behind it, but as an African American in America it was not good enough. Racism in America is the main issue and if they would have forfeited a game or all African American players should’ve sat out to prove their point. Playing in the game is still making money for all of these people who agreed with his statement or those who didn’t. Although this incident did make national news, I still don’t believe it was a big enough to show that this country needs to change. It’s all about money, and if you’re not a part of the class that’s making six to seven figures then who cares how they feel. If these players were to take a bigger stand and enforce their true feelings it would’ve triggered all the other racial problems amongst the National Basketball Association.

As a result to this racist act, the actions were minor and effective, but not good enough for the African American community.  I am happy that the NBA did not take this too lightly, but in their eyes it is a business. I think my main issue is with the players. As African American men your race and self-worth is bigger than these contracts. The fact that money and basketball titles are worth more than the actions towards are race is an eye opener. Do racism in America still exists? Yes, but I am happy it is starting to slowly come about.