So Far The Media Outnumbers Protesters in LA at Staples Center

 Your front and center live shots for the 5 and 6 News--10 and 11 too.


So far, as usual, there's a lot more media people and trucks outside Staples Center than there are protesters.


Just once I'd love to hear a reporter say, aloud, off-script and notes: You know there's really nothing going on here and it looks as if it's business as usual.


Of course that would be too honest and counter to the whole idea of the reporter going down to LA in the first place.


The Sterling ban, ordered by NBA commissioner, Adam Silver was bold and loud, definitely a statement. And it's topic A on all platforms; sports, news, entertainment and culture. Even Oprah weighed in. That said, the voluminous amount of satellite trucks and talking heads was kind of funny to see outnumbering the protesters of zero but to be fair, LA's populace around Downtown is good for patience. We are, after all, near the zenith of OJ, Rodney King, BART cop trial and the like.


Waiting for impending "BREAKING NEWS!"--Is there a game Tuesday Night? What game.


*Follow me on Twitter

Donald Sterling Racial Insults and Local/National Media Implications; Clippers-Warriors Mini Drama Sunday in Oakland; Tolbert Should Have an Interesting Take

 By now you're aware of the statements alleged to be those of the owner of the LA Clippers, Donald Sterling.


We use alleged here because so far, it's not 100% certain Sterling's voice is the actual voice on the taped phone call, only about 99. 999 %.


Here's some immediate notes about the whole brouhaha including some local media connections...


*ABC, I'm assuming, isn't going to try to kick aside this Sterling mess before today's nationally-televised game, or will they? It's the number-one discussion and media story all over the country. Talk about a bind: if they swoosh it after just a quick mention, they're guilty of dismissal and news judgement --if they concentrate too heavy, they'll be ripped for taking advantage of the situation. Catch-22 personified. Look for something in the middle.


*I want to especially listen to KNBR and Warriors radio analyst, Tom Tolbert, who has consistently talked about his playing days with the Clippers and how Sterling was a bozo way back when...before this latest nationwide blunder. I'm sure Tolbert will have an opinion or two both Sunday and on his KNBR talk show.


FIVE things already on the horizon as a result of the Sterling racial Hindenburg remarks:


1. Almost every radio talk show--sports and news--will digest the topic Monday when the whole shelf life is fresh and arid. There's both good and bad news there and you'll understand almost immediately.


2. Ronn Owens will have Dr. Harry Edwards on and ask him what he thinks of Don Sterling's act and Mr. Edwards will lecture all of us that what Sterling said is nothing new and pontificate for 45 minutes further.


3. Radnich and Krueger will talk about the game and Sterling subplot --Gary will try to spin this both ways with an undercurrent of his brand of humor and Krueger will try to stick to shooting percentages.


4. Damon Bruce is already practicing his 17-hour monologue.


5. Those in the media race-baiting machine will try to exploit this Sterling-hits-the-fan imbroglio with the usual hysteria which means a lot of screaming and shouting. Expect multi-played Jessie Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton actualities.


*Of course what Sterling, 99.99%, said is awful and disgusting--are any of you shocked? My two cents: It's not Sterling, an 80 year-old wealthy wart who owns half of LA and made his $1.8 billion fortune in real estate, to go after...it's the institutional racism practiced daily by corporate CEOs who are primarily white guys with suit and ties who keep their bigotry quiet and in-house--now THAT's a subject matter the talk-show mavens could and should discuss but Sterling is the flavor of the day. I'm not defending Sterling mind you but I hope you knew that.


One last thing: Even dopes like Sterling have rights--isn't it illegal to tape phone calls without letting the caller know you're taping them? Paging the lawyers.


*Follow me on Twitter