Bruce Levenson has said he is going to sell the Atlanta Hawks because he’s sent an e-mail that is racist during his tenure as the NBA team’s owner.
“My theory is that the black crowd scared away the whites and there are simply not enough affluent black fans to build a significant season ticket base,” Levenson said in the e-mail, according to TMZ. “I want some white cheerleaders … I have even bitched that the kiss cam is too black.”
He’s apologized for the comments.
However, Killer Mike says the e-mail is not racist. He conveyed his thoughts on the matter with the following Twitter posts.
1.I do NOT find that “Hawks Email” Racist at all.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
2. Although Bruce Levenson does need to realize that if the Hawks were had A superstar like #Wilkins 25 yrs ago all wud come blks wud spend
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
Hawks Biggest Problem has not been Blacks Be’n late (y’all do b late to the games) or southern WASP being “afraid” (y’all b fronting 4real)
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
The real Problem is Bruce and Every other owner (Sorry Ted u too) never valued Atlanta’s Super Stars enuff DWilkins Shud have a statue and
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
Public apology for trading him for Danny (get the fux outta here) manning. U wanna know your real problem? Being “good” & not great.
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
Being Good at Draft Picks But never Landing the Great Player that Is beyond Race and class. A player that brings all out like DW did!
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
U made some great and valid point which I agree with! Shit u were dead on. I listen to 750 & that station scares the hell outta Cobb lol
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
But I suggest to the next owner u wanna get Blacks to Buy and Whites to feel “comfy” as the minority. Find a super Star and pay him BIG!
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
Treat D Wilkins like The Chi Treats MJ and better!
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
Just a life long fan of the Hawks & i don’t believe the org or owner to be racist but y’all have over looked a great & need 1 like him. #21
— Killer Mike (@KillerMikeGTO) September 7, 2014
Earlier this year, Donald Sterling was banned from life from the NBA due to racist comments he made on the phone with his girlfriend.
AD LOADING...
(September 8, 2014)
UPDATE: Killer Mike has added to his commentary regarding Bruce Levenson’s comments about race, according to TMZ.
“It’s not remotely racist at all,” Mike says. “What I read was a business man trying to fill up his seats with the demographic that spends the most money.”
AD LOADING...
Mike also made a note of his own business and how he understands the need for diversity.
“I own a barber shop,” he explains. “I make it a point for people to know I cut white people’s hair. If white people 30 to 55 aren’t coming to Hawks games, you have to do whatever you need to do to get them there.”