[LazarusMunozParticipant]

wow just wow…As much as I hate Baron Davis and want him off this team this is probably one of the worst things an owner can do.Can you imagine Mark Cuban heckling Dirk or Jason Kidd during a game… This sends a bad message to potentoiol free agents and even has to make Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon second guessing wanting to sign a contract extension with the team

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AlxZr8Fp5sChR5XiaMXuM1g5nYcB?slug=mc-davisclippers121210

LOS ANGELES – It’s not uncommon to hear Los Angeles Clippers fans heckle Baron Davis(notes). Of late, however, the jeers directed at the team’s struggling point guard are coming from a far more surprising source: The man paying Davis, Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Sterling has expressed his displeasure about Davis’ play by taunting him from his courtside seat at Clippers’ home games, several sources told Yahoo! Sports. Among Sterling’s verbal barbs: – “Why are you in the game?” – “Why did you take that shot?” – “You’re out of shape!” While Sterling has also taunted other Clippers players since the middle of last season, none have received it worse than Davis, the sources said. Davis has missed 14 of the team’s 25 games this season and is averaging 7.4 points while making a team-high $13 million. Including this season, Davis has three years and nearly $42 million left on his contract. “There’s nothing I can say,” Davis said of Sterling’s taunts. “I have no comment on that. You just get to this point where it’s a fight every day. It’s a fight. You’re fighting unnecessary battles. I’m fighting unnecessary battles. “It’s frustrating because I know and my teammates know I’m capable of getting it done, even dudes on the other team. It’s frustrating.” Sterling had little comment when asked about his behavior. “When they make shots, it’s great,” Sterling said during halftime of the Clippers’ loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday. “When they don’t, we’re all disappointed.” When asked for more explanation, Sterling shrugged and politely ended the questioning. Sources said Sterling is upset with Davis for not living up to the five-year, $65 million contract he signed with the Clippers in the summer of 2008. Clippers center Chris Kaman(notes) and former Clippers Bobby Brown(notes) and Mardy Collins(notes) have also been berated by Sterling during games, a source said. The players typically heard Sterling during free throws or when they were within earshot during a stoppage in play. While taunting players during games is somewhat new for Sterling, the owner has previously criticized his team. Two seasons ago, he made a rare visit to the locker room and launched into a tirade, calling former Clippers forward Al Thornton(notes) selfish. Sterling also said during the much-publicized incident that he was willing to trade every player on the team. Sterling “started getting a lot more vocal during the second half of last season,” one team source said. “He never had done that before at games. Baron’s his pet project. He absolutely hates Baron. He wants to get his money back.” When asked his thoughts on Davis, Sterling said: “What can I say? I wish the best for all my players.” While Davis wouldn’t confirm Sterling’s criticism, those close to the point guard said it’s taking a strong toll on him. One member of the organization who wished to remain anonymous expressed disappointment in Sterling’s lack of support for Davis and the players. “The owner of the team has to be the main supporter of the team and the staff,” the source said. “And when the owner of the team isn’t supporting the players, it doesn’t give you confidence to play the way you want to. This guy is supposed to be on your side, not against you. You want someone who can support what you’re doing and be on your side.” Davis was heralded as one of the franchise’s greatest acquisitions ever when the Clippers signed him in July 2008. The two-time All-Star was coming off a season in which he averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds with the Golden State Warriors. By signing the Los Angeles native, the Clippers believed they added a franchise superstar worth the price of admission. Davis has since failed to live up to the mammoth expectations. He averaged less than 16 points his first two seasons in L.A. and didn’t see eye to eye with former coach Mike Dunleavy. Davis’ conditioning has been questioned – including by new coach Vinny Del Negro at the start of this season – and his health has been a constant concern. Davis, however, said he’s now down to 208 pounds and blames his struggles on legitimate injuries. The Clippers won just 19 games in Davis’ first season, 29 in his second and now own an NBA-worst 5-20 record. The 12-year veteran also entered Sunday averaging less than 25 minutes a game, his fewest since his rookie season with the Charlotte Hornets. Davis describes this season as “subpar” and the “most challenging” of his career. “When I came here it was like a culture shock as far as basketball expectations,” Davis said. “It was just different. Those first two years were the most frustrating years I’ve ever had playing in this league. This year I was fired up about playing with these young guys. It wasn’t the lack of conditioning. It was an injury, serious [hamstring] injury I’ve been fighting ever since. “I’m going to continue to fight because I believe in everyone in this locker room. I know this is something that we’ll be able to overcome. We’re growing. I’m growing as a person more so than anything. We’re just getting better, and I can’t wait for the day when this thing turns around.” While the Clippers have other talented players like forward Blake Griffin(notes), Eric Gordon(notes) and center Chris Kaman, much of the blame for the team’s failures has fallen on Davis. Davis understands why. “You look at it and say, ‘Why isn’t he doing the same things that he was doing at Golden State? Why isn’t he doing the same thing he was doing before? What’s different about his game?’ ” Davis said. “I just got to be a little more free when I’m out there. I’m just trying too hard. So far, it’s just not really getting that flow. I got to get in that flow. The flow is messed up, man.” Said Del Negro: “There’s always pressure. But it’s how much you put on yourself, how well you’re prepared and what you are giving to your team and organization. It’s no different from any player that has been an All-Star and that is in that situation. I know he is working hard right now to get back to a level he knows can help us win. It hasn’t worked out as smoothly as anyone would have liked.” Davis and the Clippers might both benefit from parting ways, but his large contract, injuries and substandard production make finding a suitable trade difficult. Davis said neither he nor his agent have asked the team for a trade. He also thinks he can still be successful playing for the Clippers. “I believe in the talent we have on this team,” Davis said. “I believe in the pieces, and I know I’m an integral part of it. I just believe this could be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league if we can develop that style we all want to play.” The Clippers were down a point in the final seconds against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday when the play broke down and the ball ended up in Davis’ hands. With Sterling watching from his usual courtside seat, Davis missed a fall-away shot at the buzzer to give the Clippers their 19th loss of the season. “It was a shot I needed,” Davis said later. “I needed that to get me over the hump.” Fortunately for Davis, Sterling wasn’t within earshot on this night.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Honestly after reading that article I have became a Donald Sterling fan.  The dude is a cheap ass and is acting ridiculous towards a player he over paid for.  He probably counts each dollar he overpaid for Davis while he is sitting courtside and just freaks out when Davis dribbles by him…hahaha…An owner should not act that way tho but it seems like he genuinely cares about winning for the first time.  Imagine Lebron on that team running a fast break with Griffin on one side and Gordon on the other….YIKES.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 Honestly after reading that article I have became a Donald Sterling fan.  The dude is a cheap ass and is acting ridiculous towards a player he over paid for.  He probably counts each dollar he overpaid for Davis while he is sitting courtside and just freaks out when Davis dribbles by him…hahaha…An owner should not act that way tho but it seems like he genuinely cares about winning for the first time.  Imagine Lebron on that team running a fast break with Griffin on one side and Gordon on the other….YIKES.

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

he doesnt care about winning all he cares about is makin money imo hes the worst owner in sports

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

he doesnt care about winning all he cares about is makin money imo hes the worst owner in sports

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 yeah well he might be the worse owner but he has to care about winning because that would make him more money.  Playoff ticket sales, prime time games, and he can even raise ticket prices.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

 yeah well he might be the worse owner but he has to care about winning because that would make him more money.  Playoff ticket sales, prime time games, and he can even raise ticket prices.

[MkadozaParticipant]

 But winning isnt guaranteed, even if you spend money, and an idiot like him will refuse to incur risk, take the safe route and rape TV, radio and marketing deals.

[MkadozaParticipant]

 But winning isnt guaranteed, even if you spend money, and an idiot like him will refuse to incur risk, take the safe route and rape TV, radio and marketing deals.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Among Sterling’s verbal barbs: – “Why are you in the game?” – “Why did you take that shot?” – “You’re out of shape!”

Sources said Sterling is upset with Davis for not living up to the five-year, $65 million contract he signed with the Clippers in the summer of 2008. Clippers center Chris Kaman and former Clippers Bobby Brown and Mardy Collins have also been berated by Sterling during games, a source said.

Two seasons ago, he made a rare visit to the locker room and launched into a tirade, calling former Clippers forward Al Thornton selfish. Sterling also said during the much-publicized incident that he was willing to trade every player on the team.

Sterling is a terrible terrible owner and he shouldn’t be treating his players like this from the sidelines, but the sad thing is… He’s absolutely right. I’d be pissed at Davis too. He’s done absolutely NOTHING his entire time with the Clippers… And I mean nothing. Kaman is always injured, hurt, missing games or just not playing hard. Al Thornton was selfish (a little hypocritical coming from Sterling, but he was right).

In all honesty, Sterling needs to take a look in the mirror. He’s just ran a poor franchise. He should sell the team, but there’s zero chance he will.

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Among Sterling’s verbal barbs: – “Why are you in the game?” – “Why did you take that shot?” – “You’re out of shape!”

Sources said Sterling is upset with Davis for not living up to the five-year, $65 million contract he signed with the Clippers in the summer of 2008. Clippers center Chris Kaman and former Clippers Bobby Brown and Mardy Collins have also been berated by Sterling during games, a source said.

Two seasons ago, he made a rare visit to the locker room and launched into a tirade, calling former Clippers forward Al Thornton selfish. Sterling also said during the much-publicized incident that he was willing to trade every player on the team.

Sterling is a terrible terrible owner and he shouldn’t be treating his players like this from the sidelines, but the sad thing is… He’s absolutely right. I’d be pissed at Davis too. He’s done absolutely NOTHING his entire time with the Clippers… And I mean nothing. Kaman is always injured, hurt, missing games or just not playing hard. Al Thornton was selfish (a little hypocritical coming from Sterling, but he was right).

In all honesty, Sterling needs to take a look in the mirror. He’s just ran a poor franchise. He should sell the team, but there’s zero chance he will.

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Is an idiot beyond belief. If he cared about winning, he would do something that most owners would try to do with players who are under performing or becoming an issue, TRADE THEM! Heckling Baron just shows he is a complete and utter moron, which he was in the first place for signing Baron without securing Elton Brand as well. He is naiive beyond belief, and he has been perfectly happy making money without winning, because in order to make money off of a winning team, you will usually have to incur losses along the way. It is a risk that he time and time again has not been willing to take. Right now he has a good group of young talent, but they have so little direction. I think by heckling his highest paid player, he is trying to gain the same type of sympathy Dan Gilbert was by writing the LeBron letter. In other words, Dan Gilbert, a man who was criticized for pretty much having all of his holdings in Michigan and making strange moves within the Cavs organization, suddenly gained sympathy from the fan base by taking their side. The media and I am sure the fans as well have been all over Baron, someone who has constantly been hurt and constantly had issues with his conditioning/shot selection/injuries, something Sterling sure as hell knew about (or should have done some research on) when he signed him to a 13 mill per year contract.

Donald Sterling has overall shown no loyalty to his players, and in return most have done the same to him. He is to me the worst owner by far in the NBA and his team shows that time and time again. His hiring of Vinny Del Negro seemed like a step in the right direction, and Blake Griffin’s play has given the team hope, but who needs this a-hole heckling a player he paid for. Just trade him, it is quite obvious you have no loyalty towards him or expect any thing out of him for the future. What is that you say, he has little to no trade value? Well, that means the first risk you took, was a total failure, like your ownership in general. If I were a real Clipper fan, I would heckle Donald Sterling more than any player on his team. You can say that it is on the players, that he is trying to motivate them, that he has a right to expect more out of them, but in order to do that, you need to create a winning environment. He has never done that, ever. Everything I have heard about the guy has him being a complete snake, and you can say that most owners are similar, but none have his track record of futility. I think him heckling a player is one of the most pathetic things I have ever heard an owner do. Even if it turns out he and BD were in on it together (which I highly doubt), it is so ridiculous, I honestly feel bad for anyone associated with his organization.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Is an idiot beyond belief. If he cared about winning, he would do something that most owners would try to do with players who are under performing or becoming an issue, TRADE THEM! Heckling Baron just shows he is a complete and utter moron, which he was in the first place for signing Baron without securing Elton Brand as well. He is naiive beyond belief, and he has been perfectly happy making money without winning, because in order to make money off of a winning team, you will usually have to incur losses along the way. It is a risk that he time and time again has not been willing to take. Right now he has a good group of young talent, but they have so little direction. I think by heckling his highest paid player, he is trying to gain the same type of sympathy Dan Gilbert was by writing the LeBron letter. In other words, Dan Gilbert, a man who was criticized for pretty much having all of his holdings in Michigan and making strange moves within the Cavs organization, suddenly gained sympathy from the fan base by taking their side. The media and I am sure the fans as well have been all over Baron, someone who has constantly been hurt and constantly had issues with his conditioning/shot selection/injuries, something Sterling sure as hell knew about (or should have done some research on) when he signed him to a 13 mill per year contract.

Donald Sterling has overall shown no loyalty to his players, and in return most have done the same to him. He is to me the worst owner by far in the NBA and his team shows that time and time again. His hiring of Vinny Del Negro seemed like a step in the right direction, and Blake Griffin’s play has given the team hope, but who needs this a-hole heckling a player he paid for. Just trade him, it is quite obvious you have no loyalty towards him or expect any thing out of him for the future. What is that you say, he has little to no trade value? Well, that means the first risk you took, was a total failure, like your ownership in general. If I were a real Clipper fan, I would heckle Donald Sterling more than any player on his team. You can say that it is on the players, that he is trying to motivate them, that he has a right to expect more out of them, but in order to do that, you need to create a winning environment. He has never done that, ever. Everything I have heard about the guy has him being a complete snake, and you can say that most owners are similar, but none have his track record of futility. I think him heckling a player is one of the most pathetic things I have ever heard an owner do. Even if it turns out he and BD were in on it together (which I highly doubt), it is so ridiculous, I honestly feel bad for anyone associated with his organization.

[JNixonParticipant]

How dumb is he really? What since does it make to heckle YOUR OWN PLAYERS? He’s seriously stupid as an owner.

[JNixonParticipant]

How dumb is he really? What since does it make to heckle YOUR OWN PLAYERS? He’s seriously stupid as an owner.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

The Bad thing about alot of Owners is most of them have no knowledge about the game of basketball…Some of them arent fans of basketball..They were told buying a team would be a great Investment..And they try running the team like they run their businesses…

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

The Bad thing about alot of Owners is most of them have no knowledge about the game of basketball…Some of them arent fans of basketball..They were told buying a team would be a great Investment..And they try running the team like they run their businesses…

[NashyMingParticipant]

Donald Sterling showed some signs of live and passion for his Clippers.

This is a good thing.  Baron Davis had been pretty garbage since he signed the fat-ass contract with the Clippers, he deserved to be booed, heckled because he’s out-of-shape and he’s not playing to the best of his abilities.

Sterling needs to get smarter on hiring the right GM, the right coach, and signing the right players (at the right price) in order for his Clippers to go anywhere.  So far, it seems the best move he can make for the team would be to sell his team to someone else that really knows basketball and passionate about winning though.

[NashyMingParticipant]

Donald Sterling showed some signs of live and passion for his Clippers.

This is a good thing.  Baron Davis had been pretty garbage since he signed the fat-ass contract with the Clippers, he deserved to be booed, heckled because he’s out-of-shape and he’s not playing to the best of his abilities.

Sterling needs to get smarter on hiring the right GM, the right coach, and signing the right players (at the right price) in order for his Clippers to go anywhere.  So far, it seems the best move he can make for the team would be to sell his team to someone else that really knows basketball and passionate about winning though.

[LazarusMunozParticipant]

Clipper attendance is right at the league average.  Clipper payroll is toward the very bottom.

The Clips will sellout about six games this season – the two Laker games, Miami, Boston and one or two more.  Last nights game was a near sellout.

1,500 corner upper deck seats are designated as giveaway to Sterling’s charities, but only on the non-sellout games.  This allows Sterling to get a tax deduction, appear to be a philanthropist, sell more popcorn, and boost attendance fees – all at no cost.

The Clips annual revenue is $100 million.  Their total expenses are $84 million, with $30 million of those hard expenses.  $54 million in payroll.

22 of the teams are profitable.  8 are not.

[LazarusMunozParticipant]

Clipper attendance is right at the league average.  Clipper payroll is toward the very bottom.

The Clips will sellout about six games this season – the two Laker games, Miami, Boston and one or two more.  Last nights game was a near sellout.

1,500 corner upper deck seats are designated as giveaway to Sterling’s charities, but only on the non-sellout games.  This allows Sterling to get a tax deduction, appear to be a philanthropist, sell more popcorn, and boost attendance fees – all at no cost.

The Clips annual revenue is $100 million.  Their total expenses are $84 million, with $30 million of those hard expenses.  $54 million in payroll.

22 of the teams are profitable.  8 are not.

[immaletufinishbutParticipant]

The worst owner in sports……….

[immaletufinishbutParticipant]

The worst owner in sports……….

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

The media usually take shots at hometown fans booing or heckling their home squad during a game, even if it is a blow out. This guy owns the team, and is heckling the players he pays. You can say it is his right, that is your perogative, but do not equate it with passion or love for his team. It just makes him seem like a slave driver. Their are much better ways to motivate players than heckling, but he is just utterly clueless. I have heard people say about owners that people will forgive them as long as they are signing the cheques, but look at the Clippers and tell me that has been true. Their is really nothing involved with luck, it is science, people do not want to play for this owner.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

The media usually take shots at hometown fans booing or heckling their home squad during a game, even if it is a blow out. This guy owns the team, and is heckling the players he pays. You can say it is his right, that is your perogative, but do not equate it with passion or love for his team. It just makes him seem like a slave driver. Their are much better ways to motivate players than heckling, but he is just utterly clueless. I have heard people say about owners that people will forgive them as long as they are signing the cheques, but look at the Clippers and tell me that has been true. Their is really nothing involved with luck, it is science, people do not want to play for this owner.

[CourtVisionariesParticipant]

How can you expect to get championship caliber performance out of your players when you treat them this way?  These dudes are getting paid 10’s of millions of dollars whether they win or not, and publicly disrespecting them like this will only decrease their motivation.  Maybe the Clippers aren’t cursed after all, maybe it’s just Donald Sterling consistently and effeciently killing his team’s will.

 

P.S. Can you imagine Sterling sitting at his kitchen table, yelling at his wife:  "What is that rosemary?  That smells like s****.  Butter?!?  Do you know how much you weigh?"

[CourtVisionariesParticipant]

How can you expect to get championship caliber performance out of your players when you treat them this way?  These dudes are getting paid 10’s of millions of dollars whether they win or not, and publicly disrespecting them like this will only decrease their motivation.  Maybe the Clippers aren’t cursed after all, maybe it’s just Donald Sterling consistently and effeciently killing his team’s will.

 

P.S. Can you imagine Sterling sitting at his kitchen table, yelling at his wife:  "What is that rosemary?  That smells like s****.  Butter?!?  Do you know how much you weigh?"

[Author]

Posts