Today's blog post was written by Kelly Scholl. Kelly is a senior Spanish major at the Univeristy of Notre Dame and a student in the Social Foundations of Coaching course taught by Professor Clark Power and Kristin Sheehan of Play Like a Champion Today.
Freedom of Speech in the United States is one of the most honored and respected rights that we have in this country. One is free to express their opinions, no matter what they might be, and unfortunately also no matter whom they might offend. Freedom of Speech has recently come into discussion in the sports world with the issues that have surrounded Donald Sterling and the Los Angeles Clippers in the last few weeks. The blatantly racist remarks that were made by the owner of the Clippers were recently publicized, and it resulted in a lifetime ban from the NBA. There is obviously no room in the NBA for those with racist opinions, especially being that African Americans make up 76.3 percent of all NBA players, and eighty-one percent of players were of color (NBA RGRC). As an owner you have a responsibility to your players to make them feel appreciated, and especially respected in the workplace. Donald Sterling did not fulfill his obligations as an owner, or even a member of the NBA community.
I have heard some say that a lifetime ban was too harsh of a punishment, and that Donald Sterling has the right to express his opinions in his own home to his own friends and family. And while I agree that he has the right to express his opinions, however insulting and hurtful they might be, he is not free from the consequences of his actions. He has the right to say what he said, just as the NBA has the right to hold him responsible for his words. The players involved in his organization deserve to be treated with respect and feel safe in their working environment. A hostile working place based on race, such as the one created by the statements of Sterling, should not exist in today’s world. And I believe that the decision by the NBA to ban Donald Sterling was appropriate given his role in the organization and the way in which he was representing himself.
Many people are asking questions about where the NBA will go from here. Will a lifetime ban because of racist statements lead to a ban for others who are outspoken about homosexuality or other hot topics in society? Does this mean that anyone that has a controversial (or minority opinion) should be banned from the NBA? I do not believe these things are comparable, however, and anyways, we cannot predict the future. The statements made by Donald Sterling were ignorant and offensive, and there needs to be a standard set for those that represent the organization. The NBA sent the message that such ignorance will not be tolerated, and if one desires to have opinions such as this they will not be a part of the community; especially not in a position of power. Donald Sterling was free to express his opinions in this country; the NBA is also free to hold him accountable for his actions.
