Gilbert Arenas forgives Donald Sterling

Three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas had his best season in 2005-06, averaging 29 points a game. (Joe Murphy/Getty Images)

Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas took to Instagram on Monday to say he accepts the apology of Clippers owner Donald Sterling because "forgiveness will destroy racism not more hatred."

The 81-year-old billionaire gave an interview to CNN's Anderson Cooper that aired on Monday evening.

In the interview, Sterling said he thinks he should be allowed one mistake and asked for forgiveness. He admitted to his well-documented racist comments made last month and said he loves the Clippers players.

Arenas, drawing from his own well-documented transgressions, issued the following statement via Instagram:

“I’ll be the first to accept ur apology. as a man who’s made a mistake or two in life I know how hard it is to look at your self in the mirror when you let so many ppl down but for anybody who can’t and won’t accept his apology u need to look in the mirror because were not perfect. forgiveness will destroy racism not more hatred."

The legal troubles to which he alludes occurred several years ago, when Arenas was a member of the Washington Wizards.  He was suspended 50 games by the NBA for most of the 2009-10 season after being found to be in violation of NBA and Washington D.C. handgun laws.

Arenas had been in possession of firearms in the locker room, exchanging threats with then-teammate Javaris Crittenton. He later pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license, and subsequently served a few weeks in a halfway house.

SI WIRE: Clippers’ Chris Paul, Blake Griffin react to Donald Sterling interview