The sports world is still buzzing about the racist statements made by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Cole Pepper gave his take on the story and discussed the week in local sports.
Clippers owner's racist comments caught on tape
Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was apparently caught on tape telling his girlfriend that he didn’t approve of her bringing black people to Clippers games. So, before yesterday's Clippers-Warriors playoff game, the players on the Clippers (both black and white) made a statement. They turned their shirts inside out before the game so it would not show the word Clippers, along with wearing black socks.
I like the fact that they were willing to do something, but I don’t think it went far enough. I would have liked to have seen them do something more, like refusing to go out to play the game. I think this is worth sacrificing a game — even a playoff game, to make a statement for human rights and against racism.
That being said, Sterling is getting skewered by everyone who has offered an opinion, and rightly so.
Big sports weekend in Jacksonville
It looks like the weekend of June 7-8 is going to be one of the busiest weekends in Jacksonville sports history. The Suns and Sharks both play home games on that weekend. On that Saturday, the U.S. Men’s National soccer team plays Nigeria at EverBank Field.
There will be powerboat racing that weekend as well. Thursday at Jacksonville Landing, the announcement was made that Powerboat P1 will hold the Grand Prix of the Sea (or what some have called NASCAR on water) on the St. Johns River that weekend as well. That’s free to attend and watch. It’s the first time in 30 years that powerboat races will be coming to Jacksonville.
Premier League vs. MLS in Jax, Armada announcement this week
Shad Khan’s English Premier League soccer team Fulham F.C. will play a game in Jacksonville against Major League Soccer's D.C. United in July.
And while we’re on the subject of soccer, I’m told there will be a big announcement tomorrow from the Jacksonville Armada. It won’t be about where they’ll play, but it could be about a relationship with another soccer team that could make a significant impact in the visibility of the Armada and the soccer culture in Jacksonville.
Next week, we’ll be talking about the NFL draft and the Players Championship. This year is the first time the events will take place at the same time.
You can follow Melissa Ross on Twitter @MelissainJax and Cole Pepper @ColePepper.
