Blackballed
Centered on seismic events in the NBA in the spring of 2014, Blackballed tells a story of race, power and hubris through the eyes of the Los Angeles Clippers' players and coach. When a tape surfaced of then-team owner Donald Sterling spewing racial stereotypes, it set in motion events that changed the NBA—and sports—in ways that were once unthinkable. Now Clippers stars Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan and JJ Redick, along with coach Doc Rivers and NBA commissioner Adam Silver, explain how over five days during the 2014 NBA playoffs they asserted their power, leading to the most unprecedented punishment in sports history.
Episode Guide
Season 1
- Episode 1: Who Makes the Game?
Aired: May 18, 2020At the outset of the 2014 NBA playoffs, the biggest scandal in league history was about to erupt.
- Episode 2: The Fish's Head
Aired: May 18, 2020A look back at one of the worst franchises in professional sports, the Los Angeles Clippers.
- Episode 3: The Tape
Aired: May 18, 2020The Donald Sterling tape leaks. Clippers players and coaches react with shock and disgust.
- Episode 4: Property
Aired: May 19, 2020Donald Sterling's views on race extend beyond basketball and into how he ran his real estate empire.
- Episode 5: Uproar
Aired: May 20, 2020The tape creates an escalating crisis for the NBA and its new commissioner Adam Silver.
- Episode 6: The Choice
Aired: May 21, 2020In a private team meeting, Clippers players and coaches talk about the tape, race, and how to respond.
- Episode 7: The Protest
Aired: May 22, 2020The Clippers stage a protest, expressing unity and showing the world what they believe in.
- Episode 8: Pressure
Aired: May 25, 2020Pressure mounts to remove Donald Sterling from the league.
- Episode 9: Bigger Than Sports
Aired: May 26, 2020New commissioner Adam Silver makes the bold decision to ban Donald Sterling for life from the NBA.
- Episode 10: Doubling Down
Aired: May 27, 2020The Sterling scandal continues to haunt the team as their season comes to an abrupt conclusion.
- Episode 11: Ousted
Aired: May 28, 2020In dramatic tabloid fashion, the Clippers are sold to Steve Balmer, officially ending the scandal.
- Episode 12: We Make the Game
Aired: May 29, 2020The Sterling scandal ushered in a new era of player empowerment, and they haven't looked back since.