Greed with a Capital G

So, a few hours before do-or-die Game 6 for the Clippers, Donald Sterling's lawyer announces what we all knew was coming. Sterling won't pay the $2.5 million fine imposed by Adam Silver, and is gearing up to retain ownership of the Clippers via an anti-trust lawsuit against the NBA. Sterling is going to do what he always does, popular opinion be damned! What the rest of us think, the fans, players, coaches, staff, isn't a concern to either Donald or Shelly Sterling. It's always been about them. Everyone who lives in Southern California is sick of all the full page ads Sterling has taken out in the LA Times over the years to promote his good deeds. Self promotion has made him rich beyond belief. It's all about Greed, and I mean that with a capital G. Greed drives everyone involved in this story. Greed drives a rather attractive 31-year old woman to hang out with a rather repulsive 80-year old man. Greed drives people to make recordings and 'leak' them to TMZ. Greed drives TMZ to do what it does--and they've broken a huge news story that has no end in sight. Now the "experts" are saying that it is possible both Donald and Shelly Sterling may retain a small but silent ownership of the team. Prior to today's announcement, the current players and coaches said they won't play for Sterling. I love the Clippers. I like this group of players and coaches--I like them together as a team. I don't want them to break up--but if Sterling retains any portion of ownership, it's over for these guys as a team. A lot of people are saying no one would play for him, but unfortunately, that's where people are wrong, and where Greed comes back into play. I agree it won't be the current team, but a team needs players, and others will step up. If someone's lifelong dream has been to play in the NBA, and the only way to get in is to play for Sterling, there are those willing to sell their soul for the opportunity. It's that same Greed that drives Donald and Shelly and V. Too bad everyone can't take the high road, sacrifice for principles and morals. But then, TMZ, CNN and every news organization and publication would go out of business for lack of anything interesting to report. And it might be kind of boring, too. But until the moral high road becomes the norm and we eradicate racism and intolerance, I'll be following the news, I'll be rooting against the Sterling's, and I'll be cheering for my favorite team. And I will be hoping and praying that the NBA has better lawyers than the Sterlings. Go Clippers!