Strong Sterling scandal reactions: Barkley decries owner; Jesse Jackson calls for boycott

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The heavy hitters have come out in response to a TMZ recording that has rocked the sports world, with LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling allegedly making anti-minority comments to his girlfriend.

The recording that surfaced Saturday identified Sterling as the man heard demanding that his girlfriend — reported by TMZ to be V. Stiviano, who is of black and Mexican descent — stop associating with blacks or bring black people to Clipper games. Stiviano had posted a photo of herself and NBA legend Magic Johnson together on her Instagram account, but the picture has been removed.

The comments have already sparked an investigation, with NBA spokesman Mike Bass calling them "disturbing and offensive" and saying the league is trying to first authenticate the validity of the recording.

Clippers players have kept a low profile on the issue, but the organization issued this statement regarding the allegations and the investigation: 

Center DeAndre Jordan posted this on his Instagram account shortly after the news broke: 


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Head coach Doc Rivers is reportedly "upset" over the comments.

Several major names in the sports world have condemned the comments. Former Lakers star Johnson quickly responded on Twitter, decrying Sterling and expressing pity for Clippers coach Doc Rivers and star guard Chris Paul.

Jesse Jackson appeared on ESPN and called for a boycott of Clippers games by the players, their families, black fans and by white people who view blacks and whites as equals. Jackson also said Sterling should be suspended immediately for an length of time to be determined.

On TNT during halftime of the Indiana Pacers-Atlanta Hawks game on Saturday, the crew of Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley blasted Sterling, with Barkley calling for an immediate suspension.

Miami Heat forward LeBron James called comments made by the man on the recording "appalling" and says if he played for the Clippers, he is not sure he would dress for the rest of the playoffs.

"There’s no room for Donald Sterling in the NBA," James said Saturday night before a playoff game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Magic Johnson’s former Hall of Fame teammate James Worthy also expressed disgust.

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Baron Davis, who has a history with Sterling over alleged degrading comments the owner made to the former Clippers star during home games, complimented current team members for handling similar comments in the past.

Many other prominent figures in sports and entertainment were quick to weigh in Saturday via Twitter.

Perhaps the strongest response came from rapper Snoop Dogg on his Instagram account, including this particularly profanity-laden rant. 

UDPATE: Clippers star Chris Paul issued this statement as president of the National Basketball Players Association: 

NBPA mayor Kevin Johnson took a stronger stance in response to the allegations, calling Sterling’s reported comments "reprehensible and unacceptable:" 


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Charlotte Bobcats owner and NBA all-time great Michael Jordan issued a statement on Sunday through the team as well.

"I look at this from two perspectives – as a current owner and a former player. As an owner, I’m obviously disgusted that a fellow team owner could hold such sickening and offensive views. I’m confident that Adam Silver will make a full investigation and take appropriate action quickly.  As a former player, I’m completely outraged. There is no room in the NBA – or anywhere else – for the kind of racism and hatred that Mr. Sterling allegedly expressed. I am appalled that this type of ignorance still exists within our country and at the highest levels of our sport.  In a league where the majority of players are African-American, we cannot and must not tolerate discrimination at any level.” 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.