Key Highlights
- New FX series on Hulu, Clipped, explores the LA Clippers’ tumultuous 2013 season under Donald Sterling.
- Ed O’Neill and Laurence Fishburne bring to life the intense power struggles within the Clippers’ organization.
- The series is based on ESPN’s 30 for 30 podcast The Sterling Affairs, highlighting the racial tensions and internal conflicts.
(livesinsight.com) – In a bold new series coming to Hulu this June, FX’s Clipped revisits one of the most controversial periods in NBA history – the 2013 LA Clippers scandal involving owner Donald Sterling. As portrayed by Ed O’Neill, Sterling’s racially charged comments sparked widespread outrage and set off a chain of events that reshaped the franchise. Laurence Fishburne steps into the shoes of Doc Rivers, the newly appointed head coach tasked with navigating the team through these turbulent waters. The series promises a deep dive into the power dynamics and racial tensions that went far beyond the basketball court, making it a must-watch for not only sports fans but also those interested in the intersections of race and media.
Inside the Scandal: Sterling’s Fall and the Clippers’ Rebirth
The series Clipped, set to premiere on Hulu, dramatizes the intense 2013-2014 season of the LA Clippers. The narrative is anchored by the team’s owner, Donald Sterling, whose private racist remarks became public, leading to his downfall. The portrayal by Ed O’Neill captures a man whose outdated and harmful views clash dramatically with the modern world. This conflict reaches a climax when Sterling is banned for life by the NBA, a move that spurred the sale of the team and ultimately allowed the Clippers to start anew.
Doc Rivers, played by Laurence Fishburne, is depicted as the moral and strategic opposite of Sterling. Coming off a championship with the Boston Celtics, Rivers represents progress and hope. His leadership is tested as he manages the fallout from Sterling’s scandal while keeping the team focused on winning. The series does not shy away from depicting the challenges Rivers faced, from managing player morale to navigating the media frenzy.
The Role of Media and Public Reaction
The series also delves into the role of the media in shaping public perception during the scandal. With the explosive TMZ article that brought Sterling’s remarks to light, the series explores how digital media has the power to amplify personal failings into public reckonings. This aspect of the story is crucial, as it highlights the changing landscape of media influence and its ability to mobilize public opinion quickly and decisively.
Moreover, the series reflects on the aftermath of such a public scandal. It questions whether the removal of Sterling brought about real change within the NBA or if it was merely a symbolic victory. This introspection is a vital part of understanding the broader implications of such incidents in sports and entertainment.
Legacy and Continued Impact
The fallout from the Sterling scandal continues to resonate within the NBA and beyond. Clipped not only revisits the immediate reactions and consequences but also explores the longer-term impacts on the players, the league, and society at large. It examines how incidents like these influence policies and perceptions moving forward, making it relevant not just as a historical account but as a lens through which to view current events.
The involvement of figures like Laurence Fishburne and Ed O’Neill adds a layer of gravitas to the retelling, ensuring that the series is not just informative but also compelling. As the Clippers continue to evolve and compete at high levels, the legacy of this scandal serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles against racism and discrimination in sports and public life.