JA

Tawkin' All Over the Place

May 5, 2014

JF
Stage· 137 messages
May 5, 2014

Chat about all the hot topics of the day with Team Wildflower Owner Jennifer Finnell and COO Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle. Politics, sports, entertainment and everyday stuff...This week begins with Donald Sterling and his lifetime ban from the NBA. Should he be forced to sell?

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:30 PM

Welcome, all, to the first edition of Tawkin' All Over the Place!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:31 PM

Hello!!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:31 PM

If we mixed this with Wine Snobbery, we'd be just like Kathie Lee & Hoda!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:31 PM

The format of this tawkshow is simple...tawk about whatever is happening...
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:32 PM

Today, we want to have a look at the NBA banning of LA Clippers owner, Donald Sterling...
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:32 PM

Love your style Molly!!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:32 PM

So, just to establish my place in the Tawkin' World, here, ANY TIME the hot topic is sports, you can just assume I'm being schooled by JD.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:32 PM

Hey Steve...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:33 PM

Always a team player, Molly!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:33 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“How fun!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:33 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Hola ladies, not used to doing this sober, I apologize up front if I behave.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:33 PM

Despite the amazing things happening in the NBA playoffs, the spotlight is on Sterling and racism.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:33 PM

Okay, so, JD - tell me what we're tawkin' about here. This basketball dude with the freaky girlfriend and the hugely racist tendencies...
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:34 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“It's our annual Cinco de Mayo party at work so I am actually drinking beer right now.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:34 PM

Yes, Jenn...a man who owns a team, the LA Clippers, was taped saying very racist things to his bad girlfriend
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:34 PM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“good afternoon”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:34 PM

Some of us just function better that way, Sean. This is not a place for judging Molly - it's a place for judging celebs (though she's close). :)
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:34 PM

that's just it..;.has the NBA gone too far?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:35 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Actually, in an ironic twist of fate, Molly's productivity at work goes up when she's drinking.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:35 PM

Keeping in mind that this is not the first time Sterling has gotten into trouble with the commissioner!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:35 PM

Hm...at the risk of sounding equally racist ( I certainly don't mean it that way), isn't it kind of ironic to be anti-black in the NBA?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:36 PM

I'm pointing toward the raw talent, mind you...
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:36 PM

in 2011, there was 78% black men in the NBA, only 17% whites
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:36 PM

Why would a racist want to own a team that is primarily black?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:37 PM

Molly, in 1981 Sterling bought the team and then was quoted saying that he would "tank" the season to get better draft picks. He was fined $10K for that in his first year of ownership
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:37 PM

JD did fill me in a little bit on the whole situation this morning (hoping I could sound mildly intelligent, I suppose), and here's my primary question - if he was taped saying these things in private, allegedly without his knowledge, then isn't
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:37 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Ok back to the NBA, while I am not wild about the precedent, this dumbass has had many issues in the past.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:37 PM

Then in 1984, when he moved the team from San Diego to LA, he was fined $25 million!!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:37 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“What was the issue the first time he was in hot water?”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:37 PM

there a freedom of speech issue involved in all this?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:38 PM

There are many issues connected to this NBA banning of an owner!!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:38 PM

Can the NBA force him to sell his team?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:38 PM

for saying something in the privacy of his own home?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:39 PM

Good point Sean...but what about free enterprise?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:39 PM

And then (a point made by JD), how can he be "forced" to sell? I mean, regardless of how much of a jerk someone is, they can't be forced to sell their Non-NBA business, right?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:39 PM

Can we control who owns what?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:39 PM

We, being our gov't
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:39 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“NBA legend, Elgin Baylor worked for him for about 20 years as his GM, and decribed his running of the team as basically a plantation approach.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:39 PM

I don't think so - that would set a terrible precedent for free enterprise.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:39 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Glad someone brought up freedom of speech.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:40 PM

According to the NBA Player Association, it requires a 75% vote for an owner to be forced to sell
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:40 PM

And most of the players and other team owners want him out
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:40 PM

He could be shunned, boycotted, whatever, but not forced to sell what he owns. Again, regardless of his rating on the jerk-o-meter.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:40 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Freedom of Speech means that the Govt cant arrest you for saying stupid shit. Not that speech has no consequences in the public”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:41 PM

How do the Clippers feel about all this, JD?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:41 PM

It takes 75% Molly
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:41 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“The marketplace can beat the crap out of you for speech, see Paula Dean, and Duck Dynasty guy”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:41 PM

He bought the team in 81 for $12.5 million. It is now worth far more than that despite being a crappy team. Oprah and Magic Johnson have shown interest in picking it up.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:41 PM

Hey, if I'm a big jerk, can I be forced to sell my company for a gajillion % profit, too? lol. Where is there even any punishment there?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:42 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“I thought I heard that if there is a majority in agreement (of NBA team owners) he can be forced to sell.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:42 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“Which I think is just crap.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:42 PM

Sterling himself is worth 1.9 billion
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:42 PM

And how do you think all this negative hype is affecting what should be NBA playoff anticipation???
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:43 PM

So what is it going to hurt him to fine him a little bitty $2.5 mill? it's not...the only way to "punish" him is to take away his toys, i.e. the team
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:43 PM

Speaking of toys - tell us more about the bad girlfriend.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:43 PM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“I think he bought the team for 12 million...and now its worth 1 billion ?”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:43 PM

Donald Sterling is a piece of work...
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:44 PM

They call him "frugal" Steve
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:44 PM

W.O.W.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:44 PM

Oh, the girlfriend...she's something else. Sterling's wife is suing her for $100 million !!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:45 PM

What's the basis of the lawsuit?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:45 PM

Sean, she actually changed her name because she wanted to confuse people as to her race.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:45 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Made a lot of his money renting low income housing.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:45 PM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“he has always been the cheapest owner in the NBA”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:45 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“The crazy part of this, is his girlfriemd, is both black and Hispanic, he told her she could sleep with minorities, just keep it off her social media page.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:45 PM

So, then she, herself - the bad girlfriend - is racist against herself? How's that for self-image???
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:46 PM

I'm not sure but speculation is for taking her "man" and her lifestyle
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:46 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Don't bring them to my games, including of all people in Los Angeles, Magic Johnson”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:46 PM

Daddy issues, much? lol
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:46 PM

That is one messed up family...the daughter is bound to be self assured!!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:47 PM

Did you hear her call herself "silly rabbit" molly?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:47 PM

So, a poll...should Sterling be forced to sell the team or not?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:47 PM

JD, didn't you say something about her fingers being stitched together cuz she wants to be a Barbie doll when she "grows up"?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:47 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“But there have been photos of all 3 of them taken at various Clippers games.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:47 PM

No, different chick
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:47 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“Sterling bought her a bunch of luxury cars, etc with marital dough...and wifey-poo wants it back.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:48 PM

Oh! My bad! guess we'll talk about her next time! lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:48 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“According to her interview w/ Walters, Sterling is a father figure to her. Father figure, my ass.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:48 PM

the Barbie Doll lady is NUTS!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:48 PM

@Sean, PERFECT!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:49 PM

It's really sad when something like this can overshadow the playoffs!! 5 out of 6 pairings went all the way to game 7!!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:49 PM

Although, the LA Clippers were no where near the playoffs, they are getting plenty of press!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:50 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“Sugar Bigot”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:50 PM

So, let's pretend we're the NBA judgy-people. How do you vote? And, more importantly, is this an issue that should even be up for a vote? Do we have the right to force a Sterling - however awful - to sell his enterprise?
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:50 PM

As I said earlier, the only way to punish the man is to take away his toys...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:50 PM

Agreed, Molly, except circa 1992. lol
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:51 PM

Okay, Sean - now that's another aspect that actually might provide some justification.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:51 PM

That is the stipulation Sean...has this damaged the franchise of the LA Clippers to that point?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:51 PM

Nah - it's made them more newsworthy.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:52 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“Despite my love of every basketball player on the 1994 Le Sueur/Henderson Giants Men's basketball team, I couldn't give a flyin' fig about the NBA.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:52 PM

That's why Sterling was fined in 84...for moving the team
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:52 PM

It wasn't sanctioned by the NBA
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:52 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“The rationale, and I'm not sure I buy into it, is the NBA is a Franchise, and if you do damage to the Franchise the other owners can force you out.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:53 PM

than has this damaged the NBA in general to thepoint of forced sale? Are other NBA owners that up in arms?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:53 PM

AND, do you all think that the measure would have as much support as it does if people weren't afraid of being labeled equally racist for disagreeing with the course of action based on principle?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:53 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“This issue comes up when owners want to move teams to another city, and Frankly I think that if they own the team they have the right to move.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:53 PM

Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks believes that the sale is inevitable because no one wants racism in the sport
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:54 PM

Wow...wolf in sheep's clothing (or something like that).
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:55 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“One other crazy point, he was about to receive his 2nd Lifetime Achievement award from the NAACP. For work he has done with minority youth . They pulled it back last week.”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:55 PM

The president of the Players Association, Roger Mason, JR stated to CNN earlier this weekend that the players are 100% united in the removal of Sterling as owner.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:55 PM

I do like that they plan to donate the proceeds of that big ol' fine...
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:56 PM

That is a cool development Jenn...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:57 PM

Well, I've also heard the speculation that Sterling and his wife may file for divorce - stall tactic. The team then gets tied up as community property in court.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:57 PM

That $2.5 mill is like a pocket of change to Sterling
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:57 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“I'm wondering if they can just move him out as the point person without forcing a sale at the moment, the problem is by forcing a sale, he will undoubtedly sell at a lower price than he otherwise would have.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:57 PM

Until the issue gets forgotten in favor of 1000 other scandals in the news.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:58 PM

where do you stand though...is the NBA justified in forcing Sterling to sell?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:59 PM

I still don't think so. Like I said, just because you're the world's biggest jerk doesn't mean you don't have the same rights and priveleges of every other American in business.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:59 PM

It really is a constitutional issue...not sports or pop culture...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:59 PM

And the Clippers are just that to Sterling - a business.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:59 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“He has a history of being litigious, so the thought is he will sue the other NBA owners if they try to force him to sell.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:59 PM

Agreed, JD.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 5:59 PM

A toy, per say
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 5:59 PM

And, really, you have the right to say whatever you want in private.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:00 PM

How much would it suck to own a team you can't watch?
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:00 PM

I'm sure he's got a large-enough t.v. on which to watch. lol
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:00 PM

That's the whole thing, who knows what the NBA can or cannot do....
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:01 PM

This isn't a governmental issue although it stomps all over our constitution.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:01 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“If I can split hairs, I'm ok with removing him as a point person, not forcing him to sell.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:01 PM

they should (the NBA), however, be required to be consistent in their responses to issues of this level. That's basic HR.
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:02 PM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“but I haven't read the NBA bi-laws”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:02 PM

Well, I don't think we're going to solve this world issue today but it sure has been fun!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:02 PM

Well, I think we've established that this situation is wrong, wrong, wrong on all sides.
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:02 PM

Regulate the regulations...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:02 PM

Well said!
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:03 PM

Let's appoint one of us to take that on & straighten out the NBA!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:03 PM

I say Sean take care of it...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:04 PM

★ Spotlighted from Molly Wolfgram

“I completely agree, Jen. They are wildly inconsistent.”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:04 PM

Okay, gang - sadly, it's time to get on with our days, here. See you next week - same bat time, same bat channel! Tell you're friends! :)
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:05 PM

*Your* Oh, my goodness!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:05 PM

Next week...the topic could be anything!! Check in to find out!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:05 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“This is somewhat of a private group, do we want them to be regulated ?”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:06 PM

Look for an NFL Draft tawk on Thursday...you will all be invited...
JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:06 PM

★ Spotlighted from Rich Hagberg

“Well, it was a fun read!”

JF

Jennifer Finnell · 6:06 PM

★ Spotlighted from Steve Hoffman

“very interesting tawk”

JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:06 PM

NFL DRAFT DAY TAWK...Thursday!! Check later today for time!
JA

Jennifer "JD" Arbuckle · 6:07 PM

★ Spotlighted from Sean Donaghy

“NExt week we can discuss the draft!!”