Chumash Tribe casino was second largest sponsor of NBA team


The Chumash Casino Resort has been a prominent sponsor of the LA Clippers.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in California spent $1.3 million on advertising as part of a sponsorship with the Los Angeles Clippers, The Los Angeles Times reports.

The Chumash Casino Resort was the team's second-largest sponsor, the paper said. But the tribe pulled out after owner Donald Sterling made racist comments about African-Americans.

"As long as Donald Sterling owns the team ... the tribe will not be considering advertising with the Clippers," Chairman Vincent Armenta told the Times. "The comments hit very close to home, and we do not want to partner with an organization that has views that are opposite of ours."

Sterling has stepped away from management of the team but is fighting a sale. Until he completely withdraws, the tribe won't reconsider its sponsorship.

"Those comments," Armenta told the paper, "linger in the background."

Get the Story:
Sterling scandal threatens to upend Clippers sponsorships next season (The Los Angeles Times 6/25)

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