Adam Silver said he felt particularly sorry for the Clippers’ players and coaches during the NBA’s investigation of Donald Sterling’s alleged racist comments.
It’s not their fault the team’s owner has brought so much negative attention to the franchise during a playoff run. They’re left in an awkward position – trying to balance their own professional goals with playing for Sterling’s team.
Before today’s Game 4, Doc Rivers even admitted he’s not sure how the players are handling it.
Today, they showed their response.
Clippers take off warm-up gear, drop them at mid court t-shirts on backwards. pic.twitter.com/FbdNBzY2Js
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 27, 2014
The Clippers took off their shooting shirts and dumped them at center court. pic.twitter.com/Nod5QWsWJy
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 27, 2014
I'm hearing Clipper players will be turning their team-issued gear inside out (except for uniforms) for all of Game 4. #DonaldSterling
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) April 27, 2014
Also hearing that each Clippers player will be wearing black socks and tape. #DonaldSterling
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) April 27, 2014
#Clippers have black wristbands on their left wrists.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 27, 2014
What a powerful image created by the players, hitting strong notes of protest and determination.
Matt Barnes, Reggie Bullock, Darren Collison, Jamal Crawford, Glen Davis, Jared Dudley, Danny Granger, Willie Green, Blake Griffin, Ryan Hollins, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul, J.J. Redick and Hedo Turkoglu are playing for themselves today – not Sterling’s Clippers.