Doc Rivers and the Clipper dilemma

Glenn Anton (Doc) Rivers is the head coach of the LA Clippers. He also has a major problem right about now -- as do the Clip players.

Certainly everyone has heard of the alleged racist comments attributed to Clipper owner Donald Sterling. For the purpose of this article, let's ignore the complicated web of freedom of speech rights versus political correctness, bigotry and the backlash that usually results, and even what sanctions may or may not be imposed on Sterling in the near future by the NBA.

This is about Doc and the players. They're fighting for their playoff lives against the Golden State Warriors in the opening round with the series knotted 2-2 and headed back to LA for Game 5. Which team will ultimately prevail and move on is anybody's guess.

Yet before Game 4, at Golden State, the Clipper players decided to stage their own sort of protest in response to their owner's remarks. They took off their warm-up jackets and deposited them in a heap at midcourt. Underneath, they were all wearing their team shirts inside-out, so as not to display their own team's name. Doc would later say he was aware of what his players were going to do, but was careful to take somewhat of a neutral stance. He neither encouraged, nor discouraged it.

And there lies the dilemma Doc Rivers faces. As a black man, Doc was no doubt highly offended by Sterling's words, which were secretly recorded by his girlfriend (who happens to be black/latino herself -- go figure) and quickly went viral.

But on the other hand, Rivers is making about $7 million a year to coach the Clips -- and guess who's been signing those paychecks?

So if you were Doc Rivers, what would you do? Stand on principle, which would necessitate him resigning from his high-paying gig, or keep taking the money and hope others find a way to punish his owner?

But maybe it's not that simple. After all, Doc Rivers is a pro's pro, and he likely feels an obligation to stand by his team (players) and attempt to guide them through the perils of the playoffs. But let's get real. The Clips are a very good team but, even if they get past Golden State, no given, it's unlikely they'll go on to be Western Conference champions, let alone defeating the Miami Heat which will also likely emerge from the east in the Finals. In other words, the odds against the Clips becoming champions this year are extremely long. Somewhere along the line -- maybe sooner than later -- they're going down. And what will Doc do then?

Sanctions or not, unless Sterling himself decides otherwise, he will still own the LA Clippers. And Doc will still be one of his hired hands -- along with all the players under contract. Despite the indignant and yes, ignorant chatter by some -- Sterling can no more be forced to sell his team than the average John/Jane Doe can be forced to sell their family business if they made similar remarks. One is certainly free to boycott such an establishment and not partake of their product, but even people many find despicable have their rights. Short of committing a crime -- and no one thinks Sterling actually broke any laws -- if they wish to stay in business -- no court anywhere is going to deny them the right to do so.

Thing is, Doc Rivers and the Clipper players are all professionals. They get paid a whole lot of money to coach and play basketball. Rather than getting caught up and spouting off about what the guy who signs all their paychecks said in a private conversation, that was covertly recorded, they should act like professionals and get back to what they're getting paid big bucks to do. Score more points than the other guys and win the games. And isn't that what sports always boils down to?

Regarding the Clips and their protest at Golden State? It was stupid, childish, and accomplished nothing.

As to Sterling's remarks -- the NBA -- with rookie Commish Adam Silver -- is supposed to address the matter in a press conference later today. That will likely be interesting. Betcha recently retired Commish David Stern is glad he doesn't have to deal with this mess.