(Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Maybe the Lakers don’t have it so bad with Jim Buss at the helm of the organization. At least it’s not Donald T. Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, who is under some extreme heat after TMZ released an audio recording taken by Sterling’s girlfriend V.Stiviano where he makes some shocking raciest comments.

Update 4/27/14, 11:32AM TMZ has posted additional audio from Donald Sterling and it’s just as shocking. Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames.

As you can imagine, the reaction has been fierce and impassioned.

U.S. President Barack Obama

Snoop Dogg (very explicit)

Kobe Bryant

I couldn't play for him — Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 26, 2014

Magic Johnson

TMZ reported this morning that Clippers owner Donald Sterling doesn't want me or other African-Americans to come to Clippers games. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014

.@cjbycookie and I will never go to a Clippers game again as long as Donald Sterling is the owner. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014

I feel sorry for my friends Coach Doc Rivers and Chris Paul that they have to work for a man that feels that way about African Americans. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014

LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling's comments about African Americans are a black eye for the NBA. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2014

Clipper Darrell

Deandre Jordan (symbolic blacked out photo on his instagram)

Stephen A. Smith

James Worthy

I know coaches & players play for each other & especially THE FANS, but it would be hard for me to play another game for Sterling. #NBA — James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) April 26, 2014

Daniel Tosh

https://twitter.com/danieltosh/status/460163406582910976

Adam McKay, Director (Anchorman)

Hard to ignore anymore. Donald Sterling, owner of Clippers is a massive racist. Ill be giving up my season tix.#ClippersOwnerIsaRacist — Adam McKay (@GhostPanther) April 26, 2014

Kevin Hart, Comedian

Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Sacramento and former NBA player

“The reported comments made by Clippers owner Donald Sterling are reprehensible and unacceptable. The National Basketball Players Association must and will play a very active role in determining how this issue is addressed. There needs to be an immediate investigation and if the reports are true, there needs to be strong and swift action taken. I have spoken with NBPA President Chris Paul and will be leading the NBPA in addressing the implications of this serious matter. I will be formally reaching out to the NBA today to determine our next steps. While I originally came on to lead the Executive Director search, this issue requires immediate attention from the Players Association. I will be keeping Chris Paul, the Executive Committee, and all player representatives informed of every step.”

Lebron James

LeBron "There is no room for Donald sterling in our league." — Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) April 26, 2014

LeBron: "I can only imagine if a player came out and said something of that stature. What would happen to us?" — Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) April 26, 2014

More LeBron: "I believe in Adam (Silver). I believe in the NBA, and they have to do something and do something very fast." — Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) April 26, 2014

LeBron: "One of my best friends and dear friends plays on (Sterling's) team, Chris Paul. I can't imagine what's going on in his head." — Michael Wallace (@MyMikeCheck) April 26, 2014

Doc Rivers, Clippers Coach

Shaq and Charles Barkley on TNT

As per NBA Public Relations, the NBA is investigating the audio recordings, but at this point it is unclear what type of repercussions Sterling could face as a result of these comments.

RT @NBAPR: Bass: "We are in the process of conducting a full investigation into the audio recording obtained by TMZ. (More) — Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) April 26, 2014

This story is progressing quickly and due to the outrage from the public and notable public figures, it would be purdent for there to be some type of action from the league before the Clippers play their game against the Warriors, in Oakland, on Sunday.

Update 4/26/14, 2:27PM Pacific Press release from Chris Paul/NBA Player’s Association President

“On behalf of the National Basketball Players Association, this is a very serious issue which we will address aggressively. We have asked Mayor Kevin Johnson to expand his responsibilities with the NBPA, to determine our response and our next steps. As players, we owe it to our teams and our fans to keep our focus on our game, the playoffs, and a drive to the Finals.”

Update 4/26/14, 3:15PM Pacific Andy Roeser, President of the Los Angeles Clippers official statement:

“We have heard the tape on TMZ. We do not know if it is legitimate or it has been altered. We do know that the woman on the tape — who we believe released it to TMZ — is the defendant in a lawsuit brought by the Sterling family alleging that she embezzled more than $1.8 million, who told Mr. Sterling that she would ‘get even.’ Mr. Sterling is emphatic that what is reflected on that recording is not consistent with, nor does it reflect his views, beliefs or feelings. It is the antithesis of who he is, what he believes and how he has lived his life. He feels terrible that such sentiments are being attributed to him and apologizes to anyone who might have been hurt by them. He is also upset and apologizes for sentiments attributed to him aboutEarvin Johnson. He has long considered Magic a friend and has only the utmost respect and admiration for him–both in terms of who he is and what he has achieved. We are investigating this matter.”

Related Post:

Carmax, Red Bull and Kia Motors take the lead in dropping their sponsorship of the Clippers amidst the Sterling Scandal

– Fern Rea

Follow Raining3s on Twitter: “@raining3sdotcom” Also, on Instagram: @raining3sdotcom Like Raining3s on Facebook!!! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Youtube.com/raining3sTV

Writer & NBA fan who’s been hooked since the days of Magic v Bird. Love basketball debates without it ending in a knife fight. My BBall nickname: “Todo El Dia” (All Day). Original solider of the Mamba Army. Hit me up on Twitter or Instagram: both are @raining3sallday or email: fern@raining3s.com