Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers suddenly must deal with much more than his team’s NBA playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.
The racist remarks allegedly made by the team’s owner, Donald Sterling, have put Rivers in the difficult position of continuing his role as coach but, perhaps more importantly, deciding the best way he, his team, other Clippers personnel and the team’s fans should react.
Rivers previously stated that Sterling’s remarks obviously were upsetting, but in a more recent statement, he called for unity among all those affected.
“We need unbelievable support right now from other people and I’m hoping we get that,” Rivers said in the statement issued by the Clippers. “My hope is that whatever the fans do, it is as one. I think that is what we should all do.”
Rivers went on to say he hoped to see a Staples Center filled with fans Tuesday night for Game 5 against the Warriors, contrary to Golden State coach Mark Jackson’s suggestion of a boycott.
“I hope Staples Center is packed and people are cheering for the players,” Rivers said. “… We are all doing our best here. Our players are doing their best. … From one man’s comments, a lot of people have been affected and the conversations that we’re all having do need to be had.”
