There has been much vitriol and discussion regarding the Clippers lately. The NBA has yet to take a stance, but sponsors have begun separating themselves from the Clippers, as they illustrate their dissatisfaction with the owner, Donald Sterling. Although many have sounded off with negative reactions towards the Clippers organization, the world was waiting on the players and the coach to take a hard stance against racism, bigotry, and ignorance. The layup was there, but the players neglected to take advantage of the fast break opportunity. As a pathetic show of opposition, the Clippers’ players removed their pregame uniforms and left them at center court, where they remained on the floor. We all know that the players are under contract, but this goes deeper than money, image, and the journey to become NBA champions.

Another opportunity lost in lieu of the mighty dollar.

Since slavery, African Americans have struggled for equality and a voice to be heard and respected. The struggle continues. This was not the first time that African Americans have been perceived as property, as opposed to human beings possessing superior athletic ability allowing them to play at the highest levels in any sport. In the wake of the Marcus Smart incident and Jonathan Martin report findings, we as a community, have not understood the dynamics between sports and racism.

Following a three game suspension, the NCAA neglected to complete an investigation to determine exactly what was said to Marcus Smart that made him react in such a violent manner. Contrary to popular belief, it was obvious that he was called the N-word by an avid fan, who was known for taunting players during games. Due to the fact that the fan attended every game, regardless of location, Oklahoma State University and the NCAA suspended Smart for his reaction and made him publicly apologize, while the fan was never punished for taunting Smart. Another case of demonizing the African-American male, making it appear that he is violent and constantly ready to snap. Despite the controversy, other players stated that they, too, had been openly called the N-word while playing. Yet, they continued to play.

The Clippers take to the court before playing their game against the Warriors.

There is a fabric of racial insensitivity woven through all facets of sports. So long as the teams are winning and the players are playing, all is well. The findings of Jonathan Martin discovered that he was in fact “bullied” by a fellow teammate. Ironically, during the investigation Martin was publicized as weak and needed to be “toughened up” by other members of the team. When questioned, other African-American players sided with the team, as opposed to standing firm against racism, bigotry, and ignorance. In the shadows of the bullying scandal, the NFL owners moved towards enforcing penalties towards players who use the N-word on the field during play.

Why does it take entities outside of the African-American community to initiate change?

There comes a time when words cannot be separated from actions, and people must act accordingly. Donald Sterling was clear in not only words, but intent. The actions of the players, and coach, who are also African American should have followed suit.

However, money becomes the determining factor in actions. The prevailing perception is that money and celebrity defines the man. Hence, the almighty dollar measures the value of the human and his or her integrity. Was this not Donald Sterling’s rant to his girlfriend? He made it painfully clear that African Americans could be used for sexual pleasure and other entertainment, but not good enough to be seen with someone he considered important. After all, there is an image that must be upheld: African Americans are not worthy of anything outside of entertainment. Despite a surplus of money, many of our forefathers stood for dignity, integrity, and still created an image that made others proud. Liberation does not come through the acquisition of money; it comes with the struggle to stand against the ideologies that progress the idea that African Americans (and other people of color) are not worthy or equal parts within the American society.

bell hooks asserts that “Plantation Patriarchy” has controlled African-American males and made them to believe that the struggle to be equal in American society is associated with the amount of money one has, as opposed to integrity, dignity, and significance through actions demanding equality and respect. As a result, the ability to stand in the face of racism and bigotry has been repositioned to a space where it is allowed, so long as people are getting paid. Smart was silenced, to ensure the fan base was not interrupted and disturbed – again money. Martin was made to look weak, so long as the players on the Dolphins kept getting paid – did I say money? The struggle for dignity cannot be attached to money. Booker T. Washington explained in Up From Slavery that men would work all year to earn enough to show others that they had money to take a carriage ride. In reality, they had no money, but wanted others to believe they had money as a show that they were men. The concept of money crafting the man has been a factor long before players were making millions in professional sports.

Why does it take sponsors, or money, to demonstrate that racism and bigotry will not be tolerated? The players are responsible for standing firm against their owner, who clearly articulated his disdain for African Americans. In usual fashion, the show went on because the actors (Clippers players) neglected to demand the respect of the audience, and those who perceived them to be nothing more than entertainment. Contract or not, human dignity supersedes that of any amount of money or NBA championship. We have no voice because in the face of racism, we bow to the systems that continuously promote racism and narrow-mindedness towards African Americans.

Perhaps, Donald Sterling can continue to buy his way through acceptance and forgiveness. The players still got paid; they forgave Sterling when they walked onto the court.