Driving back and forth to York yesterday afternoon, I listened to four different talk-radio shows, all with conservative hosts (of course).
All old white guys (of course).
And all were blasting NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s decision to hand Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling a lifetime ban and fine.
They don’t get it, and that, quite simply, is why their politics is doomed.
Silver’s decision was praised by every NBA player, ex-player, owner, analyst and, as far as I can tell, fan.
But these angry, old white guys think Silver’s ruling was stupid or illegal or both. They were talking about President Obama and Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. One wondered how many women Magic Johnson slept with (I’m not making this up).
Totally clueless.
What they don’t understand is that, while the NBA is a largely black players league, its fan base is young overall and almost entirely color-blind. Fans don’t care what color the players are. They just want to see their team win.
And make no mistake about it, Silver and the NBA won yesterday. There may be a long legal battle ahead to strip the despicable Sterling of his ownership of the Clippers, but you can bet it will happen. And it should happen.
Our society’s tolerance of racism in any form, at any level, continues to erode.
Hallelujah.
Follow along on Twitter @sesnyderleb.