Donald Sterling recently earned a sympathy vote from one former All-Star player. After receiving a lifetime ban from the National Basketball Association and other penalties from the racist comments he had made in an audio recording, embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's apology over the affair was well-received by three-time All-Star player Gilbert Arenas. Arenas has said that he is willing to give Sterling a second chance to make up for his mistake, USA Today reported.
"I'll be the first to accept ur apology. as a man who's made a mistake or two in life I know how hard it is to look at your self in the mirror when you let so many ppl (sic) down but for anybody who can't and won't accept his apology u (sic) need to look in the mirror because were not perfect. forgiveness will destroy racism not more hatred," Arenas supposedly said as quoted by NBA Legion.
USA Today noted that Arenas might have felt the same way Sterling did after receiving a hefty punishment from the sports league over a locker room incident. Arenas' basketball career took a spin after an altercation with former Washington Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton in 2009 had led him to get a conviction on gun charges, 400 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine. The NBA was quick to remind Arenas the severity of his actions when NBA Commissioner David Stern suspended Arenas for 50 games without pay. Arenas had spent 30 days in a halfway house following his conviction. Arenas saw himself out of the sports league three years after the locker room incident, the news outlet said.
Sterling earlier granted an extensive television interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper. The interview that was aired on Monday night saw a remorseful Sterling, and at one point shifted the blame unsuccessfully to his rumored girlfriend V. Stiviano. In an unlikely turn of events, Sterling began a tirade against NBA legend Magic Johnson, who, together with interested entities, is rumored to be eyeing the sports team he currently owns.
Somewhat proving again that his racist attitude to people, Sterling picked Johnson on his health condition and said, "He acts so holy. He made love to every girl in every city in America, and he got AIDS. I didn't criticize him. I could have. Is he an example to those children? He's got AIDS...I think he should be ashamed of himself. I think he should go in the background."
USA Today noted that Johnson is HIV-positive, but does not have AIDS.
