Pandora

Hypocrisy and unanswered questions abound in the NBA’s hurried (and basically needed) takedown of the creepy and detestable Donald Sterling based on illegal recordings of his private statements. The league and many people associated with it knew he was a racist for decades and said nothing–that is, until profit margins became threatened.

Yet now we have to find out where the line is on punishing people economically for their beliefs. It’s a no-brainer that prejudice against blacks from an NBA owner is out of bounds. But what about other issues, such as “marriage equality,” or “choice”? We already know that many in society are more than willing to take away people’s livelihoods based on their beliefs, even if motivated by their religion.

And is private dirt now fair game? That should give pause to many in a league where moral standards are not, shall we say, sterling.

It will be interesting to see, at a minimum, if other owners are given the brass-knuckle treatment for their sins, or if racist players face the same scrutiny. My guess is that the NBA will try to close this Pandora’s box as soon as possible.