Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson isn’t returning the shade after Donald Sterling’s diss during last night’s interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN.
“If I said anything wrong, I’m sorry. He’s a good person. I mean, what am I going to say? Has he done everything he can do to help minorities? I don’t think so,” the L.A. Clippers owner said. “But I’ll say it, he’s great. But I don’t think he’s a good example for the children of Los Angeles.”
Magic rebutted in a new sit-down with Cooper, saying, “My whole life is devoted to urban America. So, you know I just wish he knew the facts when he’s talking. But he’s a man who’s upset and he’s reaching. He’s reaching. He’s trying to find something that he can grab on to help him save his team. And it’s not going to happen. It’s not going to happen. The board of governors now have to do their job. Adam Silver, our Commissioner of the NBA, did a wonderful job of banning him for life. Now the Board of Governors have got to do their job.”
He adds, “Again, I’m going to pray for the man because even if I see him today, I’m going to say hello to Donald and his wife as well,” Johnson said. “I’m not a guy who holds grudges and all that. Yes, am I upset? Of course! But at the same time, I’m a God-fearing man and I’m going to pray for him and hope things work out for him.”
Sterling received a lifetime ban from the league two weeks ago after a leaked recording revealed him saying racist remarks about black people to his mistress, V. Stiviano. He was allegedly enraged that Stiviano was taking photos with Johnson and posting them on Instagram, which led to him saying “Don’t put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And don’t bring him to my games.”
The full interview airs tonight (May 13) on Anderson Cooper 360° at 8pm.
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