L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling says he was baited into racist remarks

5/12/2014

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling says he was baited into using racist language by the woman whose secret recording of him led to his lifetime NBA ban, and he said jealousy fueled his words.

Sterling struck a contrite tone throughout the interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper that had its first full airing today and consisted of his first public comments since the recording became public, apologizing for his remarks and saying he’s not a racist.

But in new excerpts that aired today, he said he was merely reflecting the racial language used by V. Stiviano, who he said would declare she was going to bring some “beautiful black men” to his games and make similar statements.

Sterling said he was “a little jealous” of the men surrounding Stiviano.