FX’s ‘Clipped’ Series Recreates The L.A. Clippers Scandal That Rocked The NBA

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By Aakash Nigam

The official trailer for the docudrama “Clipped” has been released, featuring Laurence Fishburne, Jacki Weaver, Cleopatra Coleman, and Ed O’Neill in a behind-the-scenes dramatization of one of the NBA’s most scandalous moments. The six-part limited series is set to debut on Hulu on June 4 with back-to-back episodes.

“Clipped” by FX delves into a notorious NBA owner’s racist remarks that were captured on tape and heard around the world. Based on the popular ESPN 30 for 30 podcast “The Sterling Affairs,” this limited series explores the collision between a dysfunctional basketball organization and an even more dysfunctional marriage, and the impact of the incriminating tape on a group of characters striving to succeed amidst the turmoil of the most beleaguered team in the league.

Famed coach Doc Rivers, played by Laurence Fishburne, takes on the role of coach of the Clippers in 2013. With a promising roster of big personalities, Rivers had the potential to lead the franchise to its first championship. However, the team’s owner, Donald Sterling, portrayed by Ed O’Neill, presents a significant challenge as he is known for being cheap, erratic, and a bully.

As Doc strives to minimize Sterling’s influence in pursuit of a championship, a power struggle unfolds courtside between Sterling’s ambitious personal assistant V. Stiviano, played by Cleopatra Coleman, and his wife and business partner of 60 years, Shelly, portrayed by Jacki Weaver.

The limited series also features Kelly AuCoin as Sterling’s right-hand man, Andy Roeser, J. Alphonse Nicholson as Chris Paul, Rich Sommers as the Clippers’ PR man, Seth Burton, Corbin Bernsen as Pierce O’Donnell, Clifton Davis as NBA legend Elgin Baylor, and Harriet Sansom Harris as “Justine.”

Gina Welch serves as the creator and showrunner of “Clipped,” with Emmy-winning producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, Zanne Devine, Ramona Shelburne, and Kevin Bray as executive producers. Bray has directed three of the six episodes in the series, which is an FX Production.

In summary, “Clipped” offers a compelling dramatization of the L.A. Clippers scandal that shook the NBA, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a troubled basketball organization and the personal conflicts that unfolded amidst the pursuit of victory. With a stellar cast and a gripping storyline, this limited series promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of one of the most scandalous moments in NBA history.

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