Are the Los Angeles Clippers stopping their biggest, most eclectic fan from being great, or simply refusing to let him sponge off the brand? Darrell Bailey, known fondly as “Clipper Darrell,” is the NBA team’s most noticeable fan. He rocks red and blue everything, down to the sneakers. Though not officially associated with the team, he is so well known for his eccentric ways and steadfast loyalty to the team that he is often commissioned to speak at schools and charity events.
That is until recently when he was told by that organization that they would like him to drop his “Clipper” moniker. According to a report by MediaBistro, the hoopla started when the Clips brass denied reporters a press pass to interview Bailey. When Bailey reached out to the organization to see why they nixed his publicity opportunity, he says he was asked if he would stop using the ‘Clipper’ handle and was accused of using the team to make a profit. “They said I was trying to make money off sponsorships,” said Bailey.
Several players showed their support of Bailey, including Chris Paul who tweeted, “@clipperdarrell WE GOT YOU!!!” on Wednesday (Feb 29).
Yesterday, the Clippers issued a statement justifying their request. An excerpt from the statement reads:
“We have spoken to him repeatedly about his desire to make public appearances in ways which improperly suggest that he is officially affiliated with our organization. In all cases and over a long period of time, he has consistently rejected our efforts to operate in consultation.”
The Clippers higher ups said Bailey is far from a victim in the situation. According to representatives for the team, before asking him to stop altogether, they offered him an official paid gig for the team, as long as they had the final verdict on his various appearances. According to reps, Bailey declined the offer and even tried to pull a trump card by traveling to Dallas to meet with team owner Mark Cuban about becoming a super fan for the Mavs. “He’s a really good person, but he told us he’s in this to make money,” said Clippers VP of Marketing and Sales, Carl Lahr. “Once that happens, that changes the whole fan dynamic.”
Bailey is still salty about the entire ordeal, even wearing all black to a recent home game instead of his customary blue and red suit, “They just used me for their advertisement and that’s a hurtful situation,” he added.
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Photo: Deadspin
