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Clipper Darrell's betrayal — of the Clippers

BILL PLASCHKE

The unofficial cheerleader has entertained fans and received free tickets. Now he wants to be a paid spokesman, but without following team rules, and he's made the Clippers look like the villain.

March 01, 2012|Bill Plaschke

Many have said that the Clippers are Scrooges for not allowing Bailey to make money from their name. But it's not about the money, it's about the image.

"Shouldn't we have a responsibility in having some part in how he represents us?" Lahr said.

Bailey's most celebrated unsanctioned Clippers appearance occurred when he organized a parade without their knowledge in support of signing LeBron James, about to become a free agent. Even for an organization accustomed to embarrassment, it was truly a moment of humiliation. Fewer than 50 fans showed up and, because the parade was held amid the crowds and closed streets in front of Staples Center before a Lakers playoff game, the marchers had little room to march.

Darrell Bailey is, by all accounts, a nice man with a good heart. Here's hoping he will come back to Staples Center in full regalia when the team returns there March 11. Here's hoping he can agree to lead cheers without profiting from them. He might not be Clipper Darrell, but he'll always be the Clippers' Darrell, and here's hoping that's enough.

bill.plaschke@latimes.com

twitter.com/billplaschke

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