Virgin America— Other Firms, Drops L.A. Clippers Sponsorship
LOS ANGELES (CBS SF)— The continuing fallout from the racist comments allegedly made by Los Angeles Clippers' owner Donald Sterling is now affecting the team's sponsorships including Virgin Airlines.
CBS News reported on Monday that the airline, among other firms, has dropped the Clippers due to the controversial remarks, which were part of a recorded conversation released by outlets such as TMZ and Deadspin.
The Associated Press reports there is still no official confirmation that Sterling is the voice that can be heard on the recording.
Meanwhile, the NBA has called a Tuesday news conference to make an announcement about the investigation involving Sterling, but did not have any further details.
Aside from Virgin, used car dealership chain, CarMax has ended their relationship with the troubled team and State Farm Insurance is reported to be taking a pause in their relationship with the organization.
The same day the NAACP said Sterling would not be receiving its lifetime achievement award from its Los Angeles branch and that donations made by him would be returned.
At a news conference, Leon Jenkins, president of the NAACP's LA branch, would not disclose how much money was involved.
Virgin America— Other Firms, Drops L.A. Clippers Sponsorship
Sterling had been slated to receive the honor on May 15 as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the group's Los Angeles chapter.
Sterling's purported comments urging a woman to not bring black people to his team's games have overshadowed the NBA's opening playoff round.
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Clippers 118-97 at Oracle Arena in Oakland on Sunday to tie the best-of-7 playoffs series at 2-2.
Warriors' Coach Mark Jackson told reporters Monday that NBA fans shouldn't show up for Game 5 in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.
Jackson said players have families to worry about and are getting paid to be there, but fans "cannot allow someone with these feelings to profit."
