Shaun Livingston was the future of the Los Angeles Clippers when he was drafted back in 2004. He spent three years in LA before his injury led the Clips to cut him. He knew then what everyone knows now: Donald Sterling, the dentist turned real estate magnate holds views that at best are controversial and at worst, disgusting and decidedly creepy.
He was there when Sam Cassell, Elton Brand and Corey Maggette complained to then GM Elgin Baylor that Sterling would bring women into the locker room after games, while the players were showering, and make comments such as, "Look at those beautiful black bodies."
He was there when the Justice Department sued Sterling for allegations of housing discrimination in Los Angeles, leading to a $2.7 million settlement --the biggest in US history-- for refusing to rent to blacks and Hispanics.
So Livingston was not surprised when TMZ Sports released a recording made by his former girlfriend where he is heard making one racist comment after another. The NBA is investigating and even the President, while in Malaysia, criticized Sterling's comments, saying, "When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don't really have to do anything. You just let them talk..
Said Livingston: "It was probably disappointing to a lot of people. But you look at what’s kind of gone on in the past, it’s very unfortunate, but I think it kind of tells the same story as what’s been told if you pull up the record."
Like a lot of NBA players, Livingston will be watching. "It will be interesting with the league to see what does happen," Livingston said. "I’ll definitely kind of pay attention to what happens because it’s going to put Adam Silver in kind of a tough spot."