Former GM Elgin Baylor Sues Los Angeles Clippers for Racial, Age Discrimination

Photo: Elgin Baylor (Ric Francis)

I don't dabble much in writing about the sports world, but I found the fact that the Los Angeles Clippers' organization is being sued for racism rather interesting. Well, former Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor is suing the team for age and race discrimination. The allegations are scathing against team owner Donald Sterling, in that he had "a pervasive and on-going racist attitude as expressed to then NBA player Danny Manning during contract negotiations."

According to the lawsuit, Sterling once said of Manning: "I'm offering a lot of money for a poor Black kid." The lawsuit also claims NBA commissioner David Stern was present when Sterling made the remark about Manning.

Also in the lawsuit, the Times reports Baylor said Sterling once told him that he "wanted the Clippers team to be composed of 'Poor Black boys from the South' and a White head coach."

The Clippers responded to the reports of the lawsuit, which is expected to be revealed by Baylor at a news conference Thursday. "Not having seen the complaint, I cannot comment on Elgin's specific allegations," said Clippers attorney Robert Platt. "However, I can categorically state that the Clippers always treated Elgin fairly throughout his long tenure with the team. Prior to his decision to leave the team last October, Elgin never raised any claims of unfair treatment.

"It's hard to believe that he would now make these ridiculous claims after the organization stood by him during 22 years and only three playoff appearances. It would be hard to find any sports team that has demonstrated greater loyalty to its general manager." Source: LA Times

It is funny how this lawsuit came about when Mr. Baylor was no longer associated with the organization. Funny how you can spend 22 years with an organization and then turn around and sue for racism. He didn't seem to have an issue until he was relieved of his duties just before the 2008-09 season began.

The 74-year-old Baylor orchestrated some big moves for the Clippers in the offseason. Baron Davis was signed to a five-year, $65 million deal, and while the team lost the services of power forward Elton Brand, they did acquire veteran center Marcus Camby from Denver.

An 11-time All-Star, Baylor joined the Clippers in 1986 as VP of basketball operations after a stellar 14-year playing career with the Lakers and a brief coaching stint with the New Orleans Jazz. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976. Source: LA Times

For the most part, it seems that Mr. Baylor had a good record with the organization, but it is a shame to watch it go up in smoke with such a lawsuit. Don't know if this is all true, but it comes at a questionable point in this man's career. He waited until he was terminated to blow the whistle. Seems to me he should have screamed racism and ageism before now. Sounds like sour grapes to me and a Hall of Famer shouldn't sink to this level if allegations are unfounded.