Dodgers News: Matt Kemp Discusses Alleged Donald Sterling Comments

[new_royalslider id=”6″] Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling is in hot water after an audio recording complete with disparaging remarks from someone believed to be Sterling, was released on Friday. The initial recording, released by TMZ, included Sterling lamenting his former girlfriend, identified as V. Stiviano, for posting a picture with famed Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson on her Instagram account.

By Sunday, Deadspin had acquired and released an extended version, contained a conversation that also made mention of a photograph Matt Kemp took with Stiviano. In the comments, as transcribed by Deadspin, Stiviano clarified why she didn’t see it necessary to delete the photo with Kemp:

I thought Matt Kemp is mixed, and he was OK, just like me.

Naturally, the Clippers front office and players have faced a litany of questions regarding Sterling’s alleged comments and on Sunday, Kemp faced similar questioning. According to Anthony Witrado of ESPN LA, the Dodger center fielder recalled taking the photograph, clearly never envisioning a situation like this would arise:

Kemp: "I remember taking the picture. I didn't know I'd get lumped into this though."

— Anthony Witrado (@awitrado) April 27, 2014

Kemp continued to express surprise in his involvement and despite his friendship with Clippers Blake Griffin and Chirs Paul, stated he would find it difficult to attend a Clippers game, reports Witrado:

Kemp said he was shocked he was mentioned in Sterling recording. Said he couldn't play for him and "it would be tough" to attend games.

— Anthony Witrado (@awitrado) April 27, 2014

In response, Kemp changed his walk-up song to Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” for the day. The Jackson song contains a famous lyric, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.”

The NBA has yet to levy any form of punishment on Sterling, though he did reportedly agree not to attend the Clippers playoff game on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. The situation is muddied as it also includes a lawsuit and it is still pending confirmation the voice heard holding the conversation with Stiviano is indeed Sterling’s.
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