New Hulu Show 'Clipped': Because We Needed a Reminder of Why Donald Sterling Was Banned From Basketball

New Hulu Show 'Clipped': Because We Needed a Reminder of Why Donald Sterling Was Banned From Basketball

3 minute read
Published: 6/5/2024

When Hulu announced its new show 'Clipped,' based on the scandal that led to former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's lifetime ban from the NBA, most of us grabbed our popcorn. If there's one thing America loves, it's being reminded of just how despicable some rich people can be. This isn’t just scandalous content; this is educational television at its finest.

The series revisits the notorious Donald Sterling incident, where Sterling was recorded making racist comments that shook the NBA to its core. The punishment for this verbal toxicity? A lifetime ban from the NBA and the mandated sale of the Los Angeles Clippers, a decision that brightened a lot of days among the team’s beleaguered fanbase.

The Clippers players, led by none other than Chris Paul, were pivotal in the response to the scandal. When dealing with drama of this magnitude, the team's consideration of walking out of a playoff game might have been risky, but the message couldn't have been clearer. Racism is a flagrant foul that warrant-shoving off the court altogether.

'Clipped' was created by Gina Welch and takes inspiration from the ESPN '30 for 30' podcast The Sterling Affairs. If you’ve ever wondered whether Sterling could be depicted with sufficient egotism and blatant racism on screen, worry no more. Ed O'Neill gives life to Sterling's character with an artistry that makes you cringe and convulse, sometimes simultaneously.

The show doesn’t just rehash old dirt; it explores broader themes of racism, capitalism, and American society. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to spend their evening reflecting on systemic societal issues with a side dish of billionaire absurdity?'

Laurence Fishburne steps into the shoes of Doc Rivers, the head coach of the Clippers during the debacle. Fishburne's portrayal grounds the series in the tension and resilience of the true events, reminding us that real heroes do reside in Hollywood, even if they're just there temporarily practicing their craft.

As for the person who pulled the receipts on Sterling’s racist rants, Cleopatra Coleman portrays V. Stiviano. Her character raises questions of morality, loyalty, and the human obligation to fight against bad hairpieces and even worse ideas.

But Sterling's fall from grace wasn't just a cautionary tale for potential racists-in-power. It also led to increased activism among NBA players. Suddenly, the league-wide silence on social justice issues found a thundering voice, emblematically personified by the very players affected by Sterling’s confidence leaks.

The scandal's rapid unraveling culminated in the NBA’s decision to ban Sterling and force the sale of the team. Frankly, it was the kind of swift justice you'd wish upon anyone witnessing a bad interpretation of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

The series concludes—because even juicy scandals must—with a reflection on ongoing issues of racism in America, noting parallels with other significant social justice movements. 'Clipped' achieves this while deftly avoiding the pitfall of turning into another self-congratulatory media piece. It’s hard-hitting, honest, and genuinely reflective, a reminder that history has a way of repeating itself, particularly if people with enough power and detachment from reality are given the mic.

Finally, J. Alphonse Nicholson as Chris Paul captures the player’s transition from an on-court marvel to an off-court advocate for social justice. Paul's journey epitomizes that of many athletes who have worn the banner of activism, proving you can be a slam dunk not just in sports but also in making the world a better place.

So, if you find yourself glancing at the latest shows on Hulu, 'Clipped' isn’t just worth your time; it’s almost a public service. Because hey, who doesn't love a reminder that humanity still has a long way to go, served with a pinch of schadenfreude for the billionaire who lost his toys?