Elgin Baylor -- ‘It’s not in his nature to rock the boat,’ attorney says

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Supporters of former Clippers General Manager Elgin Baylor rallied behind him today, including L.A. civil rights leader Earl Ofari Hutchinson, one day after the Hall of Fame player filed a civil lawsuit against the team and owner Donald Sterling.

Baylor left his post as GM in October after 22 years of putting together lackluster Clippers teams.

At a news conference today, Baylor’s attorney Carl Douglas was asked how the former Lakers star could work for the Clippers for so long in light of the lawsuit, which accuses the team and its owner of ongoing racist attitudes.

‘One thing to remember about Elgin, he’s humble. He’s poised. He’s gracious. It’s not in his nature to rock the boat,’ Douglas said.

‘He was one of 30 people that held those kind of jobs. It was his life, working in the city he loved. And he hoped that with his continued effort he’d be able to turn the team around and make them into a winner. Regrettably he was tossed out before he was given that chance.’

Separately, Hutchinson called on Sterling to clarify whether he did indeed make the racial remarks contained in the lawsuit. ‘If Sterling made the remarks,’ Hutchinson said, ‘he should publicly apologize to African American fans and players and the city.’

The Clippers have called all of the allegations false, issuing a statement last night that pointed out the team’s loyalty to Baylor, despite his lack of success in putting together winning teams.

Also named in the lawsuit is the NBA and Clippers President Andy Roeser. The league’s response this morning was terse: ‘We don’t comment on pending litigation,’ NBA Spokesman Brian McIntyre said.

Stay tuned to latimes.com/sports for further coverage.

-- Lisa Dillman