Will the Clippers change their name? The controversy surrounding the LA Clippers has sparked a national debate on race in politics, culture, and business. After former owner Donald Sterling was caught spewing racist comments the conversation was brought to the center of everyone's mind. Some fear now that the team has been sold and the NBA has put the matter behind them the conversation will die. Others, like the Clippers' new owner, likely don't want to be the centerpiece of that conversation. Might the team be better served, then, by changing the name of the team?
In terms of looking forward, the smart move might be to re-brand the team. One idea is copping the name of a once-great football franchise- the LA Raiders (via Forbes):
"Imagine Blake Griffin flying high to complete a thundering slam dunk thanks to a half-court pass from Chris Paul while both are wearing silver and black uniforms with the Raiders name across them.
"Would anyone ever think about Donald Sterling and the tarnished Clippers name ever again? Not likely."
Forgetting the scandal is precisely what some voices in contemporary politics are afraid of. Everyone goes their separate ways, the Sterlings get paid, and the national outrage is satiated following an acceptable resolution (via New York Times):
"Indeed, the only losers in the Sterling affair are the players, who must be mystified, if not infuriated, by the millions and now billions of dollars flying around N.B.A. franchises. Even the most apolitical, singularly focused player has to be bothered because athletes do not directly share profits. Donald Sterling's words might have been insulting, but this must be a slap in the face."
Of course former pro B-Ball journeyman John Salley had a few ideas for re-branding the Clippers franchise, including the LA Almost Lakers. But he hit the nail on the head when he suggested maybe they should be named the Plantations.
Check out this video on TMZ.
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