Can sport overcome racism in a diverse multicultural society?
The on-going issue of racism in sport keeps coming back despite promises made more than 20 years ago to deal with this menace. In Europe FIFA has not succeeded in putting an end to the “R” issue. Sport stars and footballers admit not much has been done and that FIFA and the FA seems to be in denials about this and drag their feet rather than take a decisive action and quickly to send a message to racist that this will not be tolerated. Few days ago football supporters in Spain threw a banana at Dani Alves during a match were unbelievable and grotesque.
The scandal surrounds the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s racist comments in strong language, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the league has banned Sterling for life and fined him $2.5 million.
“The Miller family who have a stake in the club, said they support the decisive action by Commissioner Silver and the NBA to reaffirm that there is no place for racism and hatred in our league. We have a responsibility in our communities to fight against discrimination and ignorance and showcase sports as an example of respect and tolerance.
The fine will be donated to organizations dedicated to anti-discrimination and tolerance efforts that will be jointly selected by the NBA and the Players Association.
In Silver’s first seminal moment as commissioner since taking over in February, he issued the heaviest penalty possible under his power, which is governed by the NBA’s private constitution and bylaws.
Sponsors began pulling out Monday and Silver said marketing partners should judge NBA based on league’s response to Sterling incident.
Comments by Sterling surfaced Saturday when TMZ posted the audio recording on its web site. In a conversation between he and a female friend, he chastised the woman for posting pictures of herself on Instagram with minorities, including Basketball Hall of Fame Magic Johnson and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp.
“Why are you taking pictures with minorities, why?” Sterling said.
He continued: “Don’t put him on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. … And don’t bring him to my games, OK? …
“Yeah, it bothers me a lot that you want to promo, broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?” Sterling said.
