Ex-LA NAACP Head Says Sterling Was 'Really Distraught,' Near Tears After CNN Interview
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The former president of the Los Angeles chapter of the NAACP says Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was a "wreck" and almost crying after a television interview in which Sterling derided Magic Johnson as a role model.
Leon Jenkins told The Associated Press on Monday that he called Sterling and said his comments about Johnson took away from the apology he was making for earlier racist comments. Jenkins says Sterling was "really distraught" and hoped the public would forgive him.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: CLIPPERS OWNER CONTROVERSY
Jenkins resigned as chapter president May 1 following outrage over a decision he later reversed to honor Sterling with a lifetime achievement award.
Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life and has fined him $2.5 million. The league is moving forward with a vote on whether to terminate his ownership.
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