In a move that has captured the NBA community’s attention, Hulu premiered the first episode of its new docu-drama, “Clipped,” on June 4. The series, based on ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary about former LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling, delves deep into the controversial and tumultuous tenure of Sterling’s ownership. The miniseries features Ed O’Neill as Sterling and Laurence Fishburne as Doc Rivers, dramatizing the real-life tension between the two figures.
The show opens with a scene that sets the tone for the contentious relationship. On Doc Rivers’ first day as head coach, he is informed by a Clippers executive about Sterling’s demand to be addressed by his preferred title.
“First day (at work), so, don’t feel bad, but Mr. Sterling gets upset when people don’t call him Mr. Sterling,” the executive tells Rivers.
Unfazed, Rivers responds, “I’ll call him Mr. Sterling when he calls me Mr. Rivers.”
This interaction highlights the immediate clash of personalities and foreshadows the difficult relationship that would unfold between the coach and the owner. “Clipped” brings to life the high-stakes environment within the Clippers organization during Sterling’s controversial reign, dramatizing the real events that led to one of the most infamous scandals in NBA history.
The dramatization in “Clipped” is rooted in a series of very real events that unfolded during the 2014 NBA Playoffs. The relationship between Doc Rivers and Donald Sterling was fraught with tension, reaching a boiling point during this critical period. In a 2023 interview with CNN, Rivers recounted the events that highlighted the depth of their conflict.
It all began when a video surfaced, capturing Sterling making racist comments. This incident quickly escalated into a major scandal, with the NBA and the public reacting in outrage. Rivers recalled how a Clippers PR staff member showed him the video, making him acutely aware of the gravity of the situation.
In response to the scandal, Rivers called a team meeting to address the issue. The team was gearing up for their postseason series against the Golden State Warriors, but the scandal threatened to overshadow their efforts. Just before Game 1, Rivers found himself in a heated phone argument with Sterling and then-Clippers president Andy Roeser.
“I’m arguing with Donald Sterling and Andy Roeser on a cell phone. Donald Sterling was actually going to come to the game. He was coming to the game. I am yelling, to the owner of our basketball team and to the president of the team. He cannot come. He will not come,” Rivers recounted. “I’m threatening to have the police meet him at the door. I didn’t have any of that power. I’m just saying these things. I just knew. Donald Sterling sitting across from our bench would be a disaster.”
The confrontation underscored the dire circumstances and the extreme measures Rivers felt compelled to consider to protect the team. The fallout from Sterling’s comments was not just a Clippers issue; it became a league-wide crisis. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver played a crucial role in addressing the scandal, providing strong support to Rivers and the team. The league’s collective response demonstrated a unified stand against racism and reinforced the NBA’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Clipped” offers a gripping portrayal of the tension and drama that enveloped the LA Clippers during Sterling’s ownership. The series does an excellent job of illustrating the toxic environment created by Sterling and the resilient leadership exhibited by Doc Rivers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those who stand against discrimination and fight for justice within their organizations.
The show’s dramatization brings new attention to an essential chapter in NBA history, emphasizing the need for strong, ethical leadership in sports. Rivers’ determination to protect his team and the subsequent support from the NBA highlight the importance of unity and decisive action in the face of prejudice. “Clipped” not only entertains but also educates viewers about the complexities and responsibilities that come with leadership roles in professional sports.
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