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”In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Johnson said Jeffrey Kessler’s assertions were “ridiculous” while praising Stern as a commissioner who has done plenty to further the success of black players in the league.”This league is more diverse than any other league and has more minoritiesin powerful positions than any other league,” Johnson told AP. “That’s all about David Stern and his vision and what he wanted todo. He make sure minorities had high-ranking positions from the league officeall the way down to coaches and front office people.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The NBA lockout has gotten personal. Target number one: NBA Commissioner David Stern.

It’s not surprising that owners and players have traded barbs, insults, and slights through the media. It is surprising how personal things have become.

For instance, NBA Players Union lawyer Jeffrey Kessler and broadcaster Bryant Gumbel both called Stern and the owners racist, comparing their negotiating tactics to that of a ‘plantation overseer’.

I’m not a visible minority. I don’t live in the United States. I’m the wrong person to comment on this.

However, it’s worth noting that Magic Johnson - an African American, Hall of Fame NBA superstar, and a former minority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers - has come to Stern’s defense.

Johnson thinks you can criticize Stern as commissioner, but can’t criticize him as man, citing the NBA’s track record of hiring minorities.

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