Clipped is a raw exploration of the emotional and psychological toll of living and working under the iron fist of a racist, incompetent tyrant ruthlessly abusing his power, according to showrunner Gina Welch. It’s a Hulu production.π₯
Clipped is an American sports drama television miniseries, based on the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast The Sterling Affairs. The series premiered on June 4, 2024, on FX on Hulu. If you can remember back, Sterling was caught talking to his mistress about Magic Johnson.
The series delves into the scandalous saga of L.A.’s ‘other basketball team,’ chronicling the explosive moment when Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling’s vile, racist remarks were caught on tape and reverberated across the globe. πΉπ
The limited series navigates the chaotic collision of a crumbling basketball franchise π, a marriage unraveling in the public eye π, and the devastating impact of those infamous tapes on a cast of characters desperately fighting to emerge victorious despite the curse hanging over what many consider the most doomed team in NBA history.
Leading the powerful ensemble cast, Ed OβNeill embodies the toxic arrogance of Donald Sterling, with Laurence Fishburne delivering a commanding performance as Clippers coach Doc Rivers. Jacki Weaver portrays the embattled Shelly Sterling, while Cleo Coleman steps into the role of the enigmatic V. Stiviano. π
Ramona Shelburne, the podcast’s creator, faced an uphill battle in getting people to participate. The idea of a podcast about Donald Sterling was often met with a resounding “no.” Fear of litigation and reluctance to revisit such dark times made participation challenging. However, Shelburne believed this was a story the world needed to hear, and her persistence paid off when she secured [NBA Commissioner] Adam Silver’s involvement. ποΈ
The Clippers are fully aware of the series, though they may not be thrilled to revisit such a painful chapter. Nonetheless, this story is seen as vitalβnot just for the NBA, but for the entire sports world and beyond. ππ While revisiting these events may not be pleasant, it makes for a compelling and unforgettable watch. π