Donald Sterling Clippers
L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling, right. Reuters

While his Los Angeles Clippers are up 2-1 in their first round series against the Golden State Warriors, owner Donald Sterling is currently embroiled in a scandal over a recorded phone conversation he had with girlfriend V. Stiviano.

During the nine-minute audio obtained and published by TMZ.com on Friday, Sterling criticizes Stiviano for her pictures on Instagram with Lakers legend Magic Johnson, and tells her not bring any more black people to Clippers games.

Some of the more salacious Sterling quotes include:

-- "It bothers me a lot that you want to broadcast that you’re associating with black people. Do you have to?" (3:30)

-- "I’m just saying, in your lousy f------ Instagrams, you don’t have to have yourself with, walking with black people." (7:45)

-- "...Don't put him [Magic] on an Instagram for the world to have to see so they have to call me. And don't bring him to my games." (9:13)

Johnson, who regularly interacts with his two million followers on Twitter, has not yet responded to the story. There has also been no official word from the NBA on the matter.

[Update]: The NBA has now issued a statement.

Sadly this isn’t the first time Sterling’s attitude towards black players has come to light.

Back in 2011, it was reported by True Hoop that former Clippers players Sam Cassell, Elton Brand and Corey Maggette complained about Sterling bringing girlfriends into the locker room and making comments like: “Look at those beautiful black bodies.”

Sterling has also had a contentious relationship with former Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor, and star point guard Baron Davis, both of whom are black.

In 2012, Davis opened up to the New York Post about Sterling, who taunted him from courtside with barbs about his shot selection and telling Davis he was out of shape.