Donald Sterling cannot believe the words that came out of his mouth during a recorded conversation with former girlfriend V. Stiviano that has resulted in a lifetime ban from the NBA. In the first sit-down conversation following his racist comments, Sterling reveals to Anderson Cooper that he was set up.

“When I listen to that tape, I don’t even know how I can say words like that. … I don’t know why the girl had me say those things,” Sterling said. “I was baited. I mean, that’s not the way I talk. I don’t talk about people for one thing, ever. I talk about ideas and other things. I don’t talk about people.”

The disgraced Los Angeles Clippers owner is seeking forgiveness and a chance to keep his team as he asserts he is not a racist.

“I’m not a racist,” he said. “I made a terrible, terrible mistake. And I’m here with you today to apologize and to ask for forgiveness for all the people that I’ve hurt.”

Watch the full interview tonight on CNN at 8 p.m..