In Wake Of Sterling Fiasco, Ex-Knicks Great Larry Johnson Appears To Call For All-Black League
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Larry Johnson has never been one to hold back when he has something on his mind.
He definitely had something on his mind Saturday in the wake of the accusations of racism against Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Johnson took to Twitter and fired off a cryptic tweet that seems to suggest an all-black basketball league with all-black ownership should be formed.
Recordings, reported to be of the billionaire NBA owner, were released Friday and Saturday by TMZ and Deadspin. Sterling is accused of making insensitive, racist and misogynistic remarks in a conversation with his mistress, V. Stiviano.
The alleged comments have created a firestorm that has rocked the sports world. Everyone from President Barack Obama to former NBA legends Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan to Donald Trump to pop culture figures have chimed in on the issue.
Sterling's team lodged a silent protest prior to its playoff game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, with each player wearing his pregame practice jersey inside-out. Several players on both teams wore black socks as a sign of solidarity.
Corporate sponsors have begun to distance themselves from the Clippers as well, with insurance giant State Farm saying, "While those involved sort out the facts, we will be taking a pause in our relationship with the organization. We are monitoring the situation and we'll continually assess our options."
The NBA said Monday it will announce its findings in the investigation on Tuesday.
Johnson, who played 10 seasons in the NBA, including the last five with the Knicks, is no stranger to commenting on issues of race. During the 1999 NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, Johnson caused a stir by saying: "We've got a lot of rebellious slaves on this (Knicks) team."
When asked if he was referring to his teammates as slaves, Johnson seemed surprised people were confused.
"I've got to explain that to you? We don't go with the mainstream," Johnson said at the time.
Johnson has been an executive with the Knicks for the last two years. However, it's unknown what his role will be under new team president Phil Jackson.
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