Clippers’ Blake Griffin Unveils His Donald Sterling Experience

By Ted Schwerzler | Oct 16, 2014

Oct 12, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) chews on his mouth guard during a free throw against Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Last season the NBA had to deal with a trobuling situation in regards to Donald Sterling. The Los Angeles Clippers remained strong and Blake Griffin is ready to share his story.

The Los Angeles Clippers found themselves as the focal conversation of the NBA last season. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for their play on the court, no matter how outstanding it was, but instead, because of an owner that was outwardly racist. Donald Sterling was exposed, and the Clippers are now better for it. For Blake Griffin though, the story runs deeper.

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A former first-round draft pick out of Oklahoma, Griffin told his story today through The Players Tribune, where Blake is a senior editor.

Upon being drafted by the Clippers, Griffin talks of a party in which he was showcased as a piece of meat by none other than Sterling himself. Donald Sterling took Griffin by the hand, and paraded him around groups of people, paying women to flank Griffin’s sides, and allowing Griffin to partake in only the same conversation over and over.

Over and over, to multiple groups of people, Sterling would have Blake converse by going through the same words.

"“Everyone, have you met our newest star? This is Blake! He was the number one pick in the entire NBA draft. Number one! Blake, where are you from?”Then I’d say I was from Oklahoma.“Oklahoma! And tell these people what you think about LA.”Then I’d say it was pretty cool.“And what about the women in LA, Blake?”"

Griffin mentioned that after being drafted by the Clippers that he promptly Googled Sterling’s name, the results were unsettling.

"The first hit that came up was “Donald Sterling is a racist.” I read an article on how he didn’t want minorities to live in his apartment buildings. My first thought was, Wow this guy is really, really a racist … how is he an owner of an NBA team?"

Griffin saw Sterling’s behavior come to fruition plenty of times throughout his rookie season. However, he indicates one time in particular in which Clippers guard Baron Davis was stepping up to the line to shoot free throws. Griffin was looking on from the middle of the court, while Sterling was throwing a tantrum from his seats.

"“Why are you letting him shoot the free throw? He’s awful! He’s terrible! He’s the worst free throw shooter ever!”"

When Adam Silver banned Sterling for life last season, Griffin mentions that a sense of relief was felt by the entire organization, that it was finally over. The text messages had grown old, being told how or who you should play for wasn’t fun, and watching the interviews where Sterling pleaded for innocence had fallen on deaf ears.

As Steve Ballmer has now stepped in, there is a new feeling in the air around the Clippers franchise. Griffin talks about how great of a person Ballmer is, as well as how he treats others.

"When I walked into the training facility for the first time this summer, the entire vibe was different. People were smiling. From the security people to the game operations staff to the office staff, everybody seemed happy to be there. For the first time ever, they were on permanent contracts. Under Sterling, all the staff were on temporary contracts. Top to bottom, everybody just appreciates being appreciated now."

With a new horizon, and a renewed sense of happiness within the organization, the sun has risen on a new day for both Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers. Looking back on it all, Griffin still seems baffled as to what all took place, but looking ahead to the future, a powerful quote sums it up perfectly.: “Some people are so poor, all they have is their money.”

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