This picture shows die-hard Los Angeles Clippers fan ‘Clipper Darrell’ posing outside his drive way. Inside that garage is a customized BMW decked out in red and blue.
For nearly 15 years, Clipper Darrell has been a loyal customer to his Clippers, despite numerous losing seasons and being branded the “little brother” of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Also for those 15 years, CD has worn the same shiny red and blue suit to every Clippers game, at least, rumour has it anyway. His dream? To sit beside Jack Nicholson and Spike Lee at a Clippers game.
You could say that Clipper Darrell was part of the ‘Lob City’ show.
But today, Clipper Darrell, real name Darrell Bailey has been told by club officials to drop the moniker due to the fan using the Clippers name and logo for his own commercial gain, as reported by FISHBOWLLA. A move which left Darrell heartbroken.
Mr. Bailey wrote on his Twitter account: “It is with great sadness 2 say this that I have been told by @LAClippers front office that they no longer want me 2 b Clipper Darrell.” He also wrote an entry on his website saying that he was “devastated”.
Several Clippers players have responded on Twitter as well.
DeAndre Jordan: “I love Clipper Darrell #ClipperDarrell
Chris Paul: “@clipperdarrell WE GOT YOU!!!”
Blake Griffin: “Bring back #ClipperDarrell”
But the Los Angeles Clippers have responded to this by saying that they have done nothing wrong. When you look at that, they do have a valid point. The NBA is a business after all and Darrell isn’t really an employee of the club, is he?
In a statement targeted at, what is, essentially a fan. The Clippers said:
“The Clippers have done absolutely nothing wrong or inappropriate as it concerns Darrell Bailey. His claims are absurd and unfounded. He has never been an employee or representative of the Clippers organization, and therefore cannot be terminated. The Clippers have never engaged Mr. Bailey’s services. When he has been in need, the organization has regularly provided him a seat for games. No good deed goes unpunished.
“We have had multiple conversations with him concerning his inappropriate use of the Clippers’ team name and trademark for his own unmonitored commercial gain. 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.”
While it is harsh on a loyal supporter, you can understand with the Clippers popularity increasing with converts such as Rihanna, wonder how long she’s been a “fan”? That they are having to clamp down on matters such as this, no matter how unfortunate it is, because let’s face it, all NBA and Euroleague fans (if you’ve heard of him) have a shred of respect for this colourful character.
But if Darrell is to sit with Jack or Spike when the Lakers or the Knicks are in town, it won’t be as “Clipper Darrell”.
