The Donald Sterling publicity stunt show has officially hit the pulpit.
Pastor JB Hardwick sent a personal invitation to the soon-to-be-outed Los Angeles Clippers owner to prove he’s not a (total) racist by attending Sunday church service at Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 8222 S San Pedro St in Los Angeles. The predominately African-American church’s congregation wasn’t exactly thrilled at the idea, but the Bible preaches forgiveness and they had to roll with their pastor’s orders.
“Stand up brother Sterling. I’m going to give you a round of applause,” the pastor announced in the middle of the service. “We love all God’s children, regardless of your race, creed or color, and I want my friend to know we’re praying for you.” The embattled billionaire declined to comment on anything save for the “beautiful” service he had attended.
Last week, it was announced that Shelly, Donald Sterling’s somewhat estranged wife, had finalized negotiations with former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to sell the NBA franchise for a whooping $2 billion. Sterling has threatened to sue the league for $1 billion in attempts to stall the move but the owners are set to vote on the matter later this week.
View the gallery below to see pics of Donald in church as well as a few cynical reactions from various authorities around the web. Do you think it’s a publicity stunt or nah? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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Photos: ABC7
