Obama Calls Donald Sterling's Comments Incredibly Offensive
While in Malaysia this week, President Obama was asked what he thought of Clippers' owner Donald Sterling's alleged racist remarks. His response: "They kind of speak for themselves."
At a news conference with Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak, Obama told the press:
"The United States continues to wrestle with legacy of race and slavery and segregation. That's still there. . . . We've made enormous strides, but you're going to continue to see this percolate up . . . We have to continue denouncing it and teach our children differently."
Obama appeared to be at this most dismissive regarding the unforgivable scandal.
"I don't think I have to interpret those statements for you. . . . They kind of speak for themselves . . . When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don't have to do anything, you just let them talk."
A number of members of the NBA—including Magic Johnson and Lebron James—have also made statements regarding Sterling's bigotry. But NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has not made motions to discipline the racist yet.
"I have confidence that NBA commissioner [Adam Silver] will address this," Obama said. "Obviously, the NBA is a league that is beloved by fans all across the country. It's got a lot of African-American players, steeped in African-America culture, and I suspect the NBA is concerned and going to be resolving this."