Don Sterling Finally Apologizes but Not Very Well
/Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling started his interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN with a clear apology, but it was an odd showing overall. Business Insider called the interview a train wreck. The first part of the interview shown here goes well:
"I made a terrible, terrible mistake. And I'm here with you today to apologize and to ask for forgiveness for all of the people I've that hurt. I've never dreamt that this could happen."
But the interview seems to go downhill from there. Sterling said that he was hurt by Magic Johnson, and yet he was quite critical of the famous player. He said that he prayed for Johnson "when he had those AIDS," suggested that Johnson isn't a good role model, said that he "should be ashamed of himself," and questioned what he has done for the Black community.
In another interview, Sterling's estranged wife, Shelly Sterling, spoke on The Today Show. She is fighting to keep her part-ownership of the clippers and said, "I'm very angry. And I'm very hurt. And I even cried listening to that [Don Sterling's CNN interview], because I just feel bad. . . .Why am I the victim when he's the perpetrator? If somebody killed somebody, does the wife have to stand trial too?"
Discussion Starters:
- What could Sterling have done differently during the interview? Consider his preparation and delivery? Watch the full video.
- How are Sterling's own attitudes getting in the way of his attempts to rebuild his image?
- Was appearing on CNN the right decision? Why or why not?
