Doc Rivers has a lot more to worry about out in Los Angeles than his preparations for a pivotal Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors.
Namely, his future.
The controversy surrounding L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling is not going away, and as long as Sterling remains in charge of the franchise, it never will. That creates a sensitive situation for Rivers, the African-American head coach who is signed with the team for two more seasons.
At practice Monday, Rivers was asked to commit to coaching the Clippers beyond these playoffs. He did not.
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Rivers also said he did not have any recommendations for how fans should approach Tuesday’s game at Staples Center, according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe. Rivers was apparently offered an opportunity to meet with Sterling — an offer Rivers declined.
The NBA is conducting an investigation after a recorded conversation was leaked to the gossip website TMZ. In the recording, a voice reported to be Sterling’s says that “black people” are not welcome at his games and asks his assistant V. Stiviano not to “broadcast” her association with them, in addition to other racist remarks.
