My purpose in writing this post isn't to get on Adam Silvers case and to deflect from the disgusting rhetoric spewed by Donald Sterling. On the contrary. My purpose is to point out that running and jumping to conclusions when you see something that appears to be shiny and bright shouldn't sway you from what lays in the making of that eye catcher. I'm grateful for Adam Silver and the strength he exhibited in delivering a message that needed to be heard by a massive amount of people. I'm grateful that Adam Silver headed the words of the "platinum" owners and "gold" players who bandied together for the "good of" the league to ensure their future not only remained viable but also profitable. Good job Mr. Silver. But what happened to his indignation when he was sitting on the right side of David Stern in 2006 when Donald Sterling had a housing discrimination charge by the justice department steeped in racial inequality? I have to ask, where was Silver when in 2009 Elgin Baylor filed suit claiming racial discrimination in his wrongful termination suit. Or in 2012, when former player Byron Davis insisted that he was heckled by Sterling who would used racially and emotionally insensitive rhetoric to characterize Davis while he was playing on the court. There are transcripts online from Donald Sterling's various depositions that speak to his disgusting thought process and overall viewpoints. People that knew him and socialized in the same circles now all of the sudden have come out decrying the man and speaking to his divisive way of thinking (Google Larry King talking on the Colin Cowherd radio show). Really bro? Now you got something to say? After you done broke bread at the guys house and partook in courtside seats next to him? Now? But I digress....
We can all agree that Donald Sterling is a piece of shit. In an American culture where many of us are trying hard to get along and be accepting of each others diversity, Sterling is an anomaly. I just don't think that it's okay to give Adam Silver a crown and anoint him the king of all things good. He's no Abe Lincoln. And really for all of the credit that President Lincoln gets for freeing the slaves, that's not exactly how it went down. But again I digress. Adam Silver should definitely be applauded for standing up for two clubs within the NBA and declaring for all to hear what those clubs agreed to. Adam Silver should also be applauded for the poise he exhibited and the conviction he conveyed while speaking. But like all jewelry don't be blinded by the shine. Take a look at the accompanying papers and be sure to read between the lines. All that glitters ain't gold.