The reactions to Donald Sterling's racist comments to his girlfriend were swift and significant. I'd say "even President Obama weighed in," but that doesn't mean as much considering he's the most sports-conscious president of all time (impressive because the guy before him once owned the Texas Rangers). Only the NBA has taken their time before deciding how to react to Sterling.

The least spontaneous actor of the situation was whoever made the recording. Neither TMZ (the original posters of the video) nor Deadspin (which later posted the full 15 minute recording) identified the source. Still, it seems obvious to me that it was his girlfriend, V. Stiviano. Only slightly less obvious was that she set up his answers.

In the recording (which Deadspin notes could have been doctored), V. Stiviano, who's currently being sued by Sterling's estranged wife, controls the conversation like a college professor. Unsuspecting of a larger plot (probably because he doesn't believe she's capable), Sterling responds to her bait truthfully and without pretense. While making sure to say all the politically correct things and enunciating her words like a grade school teacher, Stiviano broaches a range of controversial topics in order to expose her boyfriend's politically incorrect thoughts. Just in case Sterling's and her position weren't clear, Stiviano frequently alludes to his previous comment in her response, such as in the example below:

"Honey, if it makes you feel better I'll remove all the black people from my Instagram," she tells him.

At one point, Stiviano actually utters the phrase, "be the change, be the difference." At the exact same point, I was certain it was a carefully planned sting.

Sterling seems confused by course of the conversation, but he doesn't know why. Something feels different. His passion for the topic and the low expectations he has for Stiviano distract him from the real truth. Basically, a seasoned (maybe too seasoned) billionaire got played by a twenty-something year old model. That scenario also sounds pretty obvious.