This Could Be Pure Coincidence

I know we are all getting tired of hearing about Donald Sterling and his racist comments, but Yahoo News posted a story today that may put the entire situation in a different light.

These are some facts from the article:

Several league officials – including owners and Board of Governors members – told Yahoo Sports they believe Silver has been studying the nuclear option on Sterling: a provision in the NBA’s bylaws that would allow Silver to summon a vote of league owners to strip Sterling of his ownership. The NBA would run the Clippers until the team could be sold.

…Despite his denial of ownership interest in the Clippers, Magic Johnson and potential investors spent part of Monday working to understand the avenues to which they could eventually make a deal to become Clippers owners, sources told Yahoo Sports. If the franchise becomes available, Johnson wants to be positioned to make a deal.

Now let’s take a look at some background on this story. Evidently Mr. Sterling’s racist views had been known around around the league for years, why is this coming out now? Mr. Sterling is approximately 80 years old. He will probably not be with us for more than another 10 to 20 years. Upon his demise, it is assumed that the ownership of the team will pass to his family. That is generally how wills are written. Let’s just assume for a moment that Magic Johnson wants to buy the team at bargain basement prices. Oddly enough, Magic Johnson was the person Mr. Sterling’s girlfriend was seen with before the taped conversation. Magic Johnson might even have been the subject of part of the taped conversation. I am not accusing anyone of anything, but I think that is an incredible coincidence. I also think that when you have ideas that are not socially acceptable and that is known, you are always in danger of having your status changed by people with more clout than you have. This entire episode is an example of someone’s chickens coming home to roost. I am waiting for the fire sale of the Clippers. If Magic Johnson comes out of this with the team, I will always wonder if Mr. Sterling’s family was robbed.

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Following The Letter Of The Rule While Missing The Spirit Of The Rule

On Sunday, Yahoo Sports reported the story of Steven Rhodes, a 24-year-old Marine sergeant who just completed his five years in the Marines. After ending his service in the Marines, Steven contacted Middle Tennessee State’s football coaches to ask for a chance to play on the team.

The article continues:

…They happily accepted the 6’ 3”, 240-pound veteran and have been using him as a tight end and defensive lineman during practice.

Great story, right?

Well, it would be, except Rhodes isn’t eligible to play this season because he took part in an intramural league while in the service. He received no money to play in some extremely disorganized games.

“Man, it was like intramurals for us. There were guys out there anywhere from 18 to 40-something years old,” said Rhodes to Adam Sparks of the Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro, Tenn.). “The games were spread out. We once went six weeks between games.”

Needless to say, the coaches at Middle Tennessee State are appealing the ruling.

The article further reports:

“For a guy to go serve our country, you’d think there would be some compassion and understanding so this guy is not prevented from playing college football,” said Middle Tennessee coach Rick Stockstill. “He’s going to be almost 30 years old when his (eligibility) clock runs out. He needs to be allowed to play right now. Hopefully, they let him.”

Steven Rhodes is being penalized because he spent six years in the Marines. Good grief!

WONDERFUL UPDATE!!!!!

From the Blue Raider Athletics Website:

ATTENTION BLUE RAIDER NATION! Steven Rhodes has been cleared to play this season and for the next 4 years! Thank you for all of your support over the last 36 hours, it’s been a crazy time around here. We look forward to seeing everyone out Aug. 29th for our first game against Western Carolina! BE LOUD. BE PROUD. BE BLUE.

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