Clippers owner Donald Sterling sat down with CNN’s Anderson Cooper to offer an apology for his racist comments but did anything but that. Sterling further solidified his prejudicial outlook, first by asking Anderson Cooper if he ever liked a girl, and second by slandering Magic Johnson for getting AIDS.
The full transcript of what Sterling said of Johnson, which can be heard (in the video at the 2:00 mark): “Here is a man, he acts so holy. He made love to every girl in America in every city and he had AIDS. When he had those AIDS, I went to my synagogue and I prayed for him.
What has Magic Johnson done? He’s got AIDS. Did he do any business? Did he help anybody in south L.A.? I think he should be ashamed of himself. What does he do for the black people? I’m telling you he does nothing. It’s all talk. “
Magic tweeted this out shortly after the interview aired:
I’d rather be talking about these great NBA Playoffs than Donald Sterling’s interview.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 13, 2014
Adam Silver also issued the following comments:
“I just read a transcript of Donald Sterling’s interview with Anderson Cooper and while Magic Johnson doesn’t need me to, I feel compelled on behalf of the NBA family to apologize to him that he continues to be dragged into this situation and be degraded by such a malicious and personal attack. The NBA Board of Governors is continuing with its process to remove Mr. Sterling as expeditiously as possible.”
Watch the entire interview here.
