Donald Sterling was a controversial figure whose legacy is forever linked with racism and his ousting from the NBA. But before his spectacular fall from grace, he was a real estate mogul and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball franchise with a reputation for questionable business ethics and a history of discriminatory practices.
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Table of Contents
Who is Donald Sterling?
- How old is Donald Sterling? Donald Tokowitz (his birth name) was born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 26th, 1934. He passed away in September 2021 at the age of 86.
- Career Sterling began his career as a trial lawyer but quickly amassed a vast fortune in real estate, specializing in owning and renting out low-income apartments throughout Los Angeles. Known for being a shrewd and sometimes ruthless businessman, he faced numerous lawsuits regarding discriminatory housing practices.
- How did Donald Sterling get famous? Sterling gained notoriety when he purchased the San Diego Clippers in 1981, relocating them to Los Angeles in 1984. Despite his wealth, he earned a reputation for running the Clippers poorly and his reluctance to spend on star players or improvements, leading to the team being a perennial loser.
- Do Donald Sterling have kids? Yes, Donald Sterling had three children: Scott, Joanna, and Chris.
- Donald Sterling Net Worth At the height of his wealth, Sterling’s net worth was estimated to be about $2 billion.
Donald Sterling Bio
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name: | Donald Tokowitz (changed to Donald Sterling) |
| Date of Birth: | April 26, 1934 |
| Place of Birth: | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation: | Real estate mogul, former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers |
| Known For: | Racist comments scandal, forced sale of the Clippers, history of housing discrimination lawsuits |
| Additional Notes: | Trial lawyer early in his career, controversial figure, died in 2021 |
What happened with Donald Sterling and the NBA?
In April 2014, a bombshell dropped when a recording surfaced of a private conversation between Sterling and his then-girlfriend, V. Stiviano. The recording contained Sterling making overtly racist remarks, asking Stiviano not to associate with black people and not to bring them to Clippers games.
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The backlash was swift and severe. Players, coaches, fans, and sponsors expressed outrage. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver moved quickly, imposing a lifetime ban on Sterling from the league and fining him $2.5 million (the maximum allowed under the NBA constitution). Silver also initiated the process of forcing a sale of the Clippers.
How did Donald Sterling make his money?
Donald Sterling’s primary source of income was real estate. He built an extensive portfolio of properties, primarily apartment buildings in the Los Angeles area.
How much did Donald Sterling buy the Clippers for?
Sterling purchased the then-San Diego Clippers for $12.5 million in 1981.
How much did the LA Clippers sell for?
Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer bought the LA Clippers for a then-record price of $2 billion in 2014, after Sterling was forced to sell following the racism scandal.
Conclusion
The Donald Sterling saga is a cautionary tale about the destructive power of racism and its consequences. Once a wealthy and powerful figure, his downfall was swift and complete. Sterling ultimately became synonymous with prejudice and discrimination, forever tarnishing his legacy.
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FAQs about Donald Sterling: Racist Comments, NBA Ban, and Legacy
- What were Donald Sterling’s racist comments? In the leaked audio recording, Sterling berated his girlfriend for associating with black people and specifically mentioned NBA legend Magic Johnson.
- What was the punishment for Donald Sterling? Sterling was banned from the NBA for life, fined $2.5 million, and forced to sell the Los Angeles Clippers.
- When did the Donald Sterling scandal happen? The audio recordings were made public in April 2014.
- Why is the Donald Sterling controversy significant? The incident revealed deeply entrenched racism within a powerful figure in the NBA. It also marked a turning point, demonstrating the league’s and the public’s refusal to tolerate such behavior.
- Is Donald Sterling still alive? No, Donald Sterling died in September 2021.
