DEVELOPING: Levenson To Sell Hawks Interest After "Racist E-Mail" Discovered (UPDATED With E-Mail))

((HT: Yahoo!Sports-Wojnarowski))

The Atlanta Hawks are the schleprock of the NBA...

No matter who the owner is and how much alleged investment is involved and/or promised to the community, nothing has changed since the days of Ted Turner being the media mogul/magnate and the days of Dominique versus Larry Bird.

The destination is as undesirable as you can get. The fan base small at best and the town is apathetic toward the franchise since the cirle of life lends itself to no marquee players- which means there is little reason to wander to a downtown arena in a mediocre conference where playoff appearances are, literally, assured and the team has to overpay to bring talent in- or get them to stay.

Remember Joe Johnson...???

So, when Adrian Wojnarowski announced on his Twitter feed that Levenson was selling, the HQ has the distinct feeling that some other action was on the cusp of happening (oh, like, a lawsuit or something...) and Levenson is out...

Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement once the e-mail was discovered...

An e-mail written in 2012...

“Following Bruce Levenson notifying the league office this July of his August 2012 email, the NBA commenced an independent investigation regarding the circumstances of Mr. Levenson’s comments.

Prior to the completion of the investigation, Mr. Levenson notified me last evening that he had decided to sell his controlling interest in the Atlanta Hawks. As Mr. Levenson acknowledged, the views he expressed are entirely unacceptable and are in stark contrast to the core principles of the National Basketball Association. He shared with me how truly remorseful he is for using those hurtful words and how apologetic he is to the entire NBA family – fans, players, team employees, business partners and fellow team owners – for having diverted attention away from our game.

I commend Mr. Levenson for self-reporting to the league office, for being fully cooperative with the league and its independent investigator, and for putting the best interests of the Hawks, the Atlanta community, and the NBA first.

We will be working with the Hawks ownership group on the appropriate process for the sale of the team and I have offered our full support to Hawks CEO Steve Koonin, who will now oversee all team operations.

The NBA and its teams have long had in place anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies in order to facilitate respectful and diverse workplaces. Earlier this summer, the league re-doubled its efforts by, among other things, making it mandatory for all league and team personnel to receive annual training on these issues."

Levenson issued a statement where he touched on what was said as he was trying to figure out:
 ways to increase attendance at games:

"In trying to address those issues, an e-mail I wrote 2 years ago that was inappropriate and offensive. I trivialized our fans by making cliched assumptions about their interests and by stereotyping their assumptions about one another."

"By focusing on race, I also sent the unintentional and hurtful message that our white fans are more valuable than our black fans."

"If you're angry about what I wrote, you should be. I'm angry at myself, too. It was inflammatory nonsense. We all may have subtle biases and preconceptions when it comes to race, but my role as a leader is to challenge them, not to validate or accommodate those who might hold them."

The Hawks, and their interim CEO Steve Koonin released their own statement:

To the City of Atlanta and Hawks Fans,

Today’s statement from Controlling Owner Bruce Levenson is extremely disappointing and the email that he sent over two years ago was alarming, offensive and most of all, completely unacceptable and does not reflect the principles and values of the Hawks organization. In partnership with the NBA, we will work to ensure that a new ownership team will be put in place that is united and committed to the Atlanta community.

Steve Koonin

CEO, Atlanta Hawks

It marks the next, and now, last involvement of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC group in this market that has been nothing short of an absymal failure on multiple levels- arena, ownership, legal battles, behind-the-scenes desires to sell, the loss of a hockey franchise, and now "racist" e-mails that are sending them out of town on rail...

But far too late for any of it to matter as, the HQ is certain, there are very few tears shed...

Exhibit A being below...
((HT: Sportsnet))


For the record, here's a link to the full e-mail which says in part:

My theory is that the black crowd scared away the whites and there are simply not enough affluent
black fans to build a signficant season ticket base. Please dont get me wrong. There was nothing
threatening going on in the arean back then. i never felt uncomfortable, but i think southern whites
simply were not comfortable being in an arena or at a bar where they were in the minority. On fan sites i
would read comments about how dangerous it is around philips yet in our 9 years, i don't know of a
mugging or even a pick pocket incident. This was just racist garbage. When I hear some people saying
the arena is in the wrong place I think it is code for there are too many blacks at the games.

I have been open with our executive team about these concerns. I have told them I want some white
cheerleaders and while i don't care what the color of the artist is, i want the music to be music familiar
to a 40 year old white guy if that's our season tixs demo. i have also balked when every fan picked out of
crowd to shoot shots in some time out contest is black. I have even bitched that the kiss cam is too
black.

Not good...

UPDATE: Steve Ballmer Owns The L.A Clippers

It's done....

Ok, at least the sale, in the minds of the NBA, Shelley Sterling and Steve Ballmer is done. The league announced that Shelley Sterling and the Sterling trust has closed the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft magnate Steve Ballmer.

Ballmer already had the O.K of the league to purchase the team, but the sale was contingent on a written order by a California court confirming Shelley had the power to complete the sale.

That happened right about noon eastern time.

Oh, did we mention that Ballmer is paying $2 billion for the team?

Yes, $2 billion.....

We should also note that now former owner and crazy guy Donald Sterling is expected to appeal the judges ruling and the sale, but nobody expects that to derail the proceedings at this point.

Meanwhile, the NBA, according to the Los Angeles Times has filed a countersuit vs. Mr. Sterling claiming he owes them for "devastating and incalculable" harm to the league". We aren't sure what that means, but Donald Sterling already has filed suit against them, so we're guessing this is the part where lawyers make a lot of money.

For the Clippers, it means a chance to move forward and an opportunity to put the mess in the rear view mirror. Coach Doc Rivers and several players had mumbled privately they were considering not playing or boycotting should the sale not go through.

Instead, they are celebrating their good fortune. They get a rich owner, they get...at least eventually some stability. And they get a chance to get ready for yet another NBA season right on the horizon....

KCBS gives us the early TV story:

What's Next For Donald Sterling...???

((HT: SI Now))

SI's Maggie Gray asks Michael McCann and SI NBA producer Matt Dollinger what the next steps are in his (now) two out-standing (not "outstanding") lawsuits against Shelly Sterling and the NBA

The HQ has long thought that if Donald Sterling wants to take everyone down, he'll do without conscience and without care. He'll dig up the Rich deVos tape from Michigan and anything else that qualifies as Mark Cuban's "slippery slope."

We're not done by any stretch...

Donald Sterling Sues Wife And NBA Again

((HT: ESPN))

Donald Sterling is a very busy man in the middle of his probate case going on in Los Angeles.

He filed another concurrent suit in Superior Court seeking damages from the NBA, commissioner Adam Silver, his wife Shelly Sterling, and the Clippers alleging they all violated corporate law in trying to sell the team.

Sterling argues he is the sole owner and shareholder of the parent organization: LAC Basketball Club- that manages and runs the team. His interest in LACBC was in the Family Trust, but he maintains that when he revoked the trust (the crux of the current arguments in probate court), everything went back to his own personal interest and management.

And, therefore, he's the guy in charge of everything- not his wife or anyone else.

Max Bretos checks in with Ramona Shelburne about the latest adventures


And then interim CEO Richard Parsons, as part of his testimony, revealed and reinforced that if Donald Sterling was to remain owner that coach and GM Doc Rivers was checking out.

Bretos and Shelburne again


Clippers fans who have followed the franchises ups and downs for a long time feel this is par for the course and should not be surprised that the final salvo Donald Sterling is interested in firing at any of his detractors is going to just have the franchise in a slow burn of failure- mandated by behavior in the courts of Los Angeles.

If Donald Sterling is going down, he is going to take it all with him...

To hell with all of you...

Sterling Trial Pushes Back Sale Deadlines

((HT: KABC-TV/LA Times, Panzer-Cook))

The end result of Shelly Sterling returning to the stand in the Donald Sterling competency hearing means that the sale completion of the Los Angeles Clippers is pushed back and won't meet the NBA deadlines.

What that means, really, is anyone's guess...

Does it affect the overall sale...? How patient will the league be over time if this drags on...? Will players be as patient as the league may or may not be if this drags out all the way to next season...?

Shelly Sterling described her husband's emotions in and around the time of the sale of the team to Steve Ballmer. Pierce O'Donnell, Shelly's lawyer, trumpeted his client's cause after the hearing.

Naturally...

Here's the latest from outside the courtroom


Judge Michael Levanas said the trial is taking next week off to let Donald Sterling's lawyer, Max Blecher, go on a planned vacation. Closing arguments are scheduled for July 28.

NBA Drafts Baylor's Isaiah Austin

((HT: ESPN/NBA))

The HQ told you that Baylor's Isaiah Austin was diagnosed with Marfan's Syndrome about a week ago. The college star that had built a career after losing the sight in one eye has to stop playing altogether.

In another classy, stand-up move by new NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the league did something very special for Austin at this year's NBA Draft.


The HQ thought that the only thing better would have been for the World Champs to pick him up in the Second Round themselves.

But a classy move nonetheless...

Donald Sterling Hires 4 PI's To Chase After Other NBA Owners

Yeah, this is getting pretty ugly...

Not that the HQ is surprised...

Embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has apparently hired four private investigator firms for the next 30 days to dig up dirt on his currently-fellow owners. They have six-figure budgets to dig up as much stuff as they can find on the owners, David Stern, and current commissioner Adam Silver.

It's all part of the billion-dollar case Sterling has against the NBA since they didn't pull back on their $2.5-million fine and lifetime ban around NBA events.
Los Angeles Local News | FOX 11 LA KTTV

The next 30 days are a test for the four firms to see if any of them get to hang around after their first round of dirt-digging to keep digging dirt once Sterling gets to see what they got.

Donald Sterling Lawsuit Is "Full Speed Ahead" (UPDATED With Sterling Statement)

((HT: Sportsnet/OCRegister-Woike))

Shocking no one...

Maxwell Blecher is telling anyone willing to listen that Donald Sterling is pulling his support for the sale to Steve Ballmer. Sterling wanted assurances that his lifetime ban would be wiped off the books and his $2.5-million fine would be gone as well- and they're not, so he's back to suing the NBA.

From Woike's article, and it seems Sterling's motivation is the new NBA Commissioner Adam Silver:

But that’s not the main reason Sterling reversed course, according to Blecher, who said NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s adamancy in a Sunday press news conference was the primary culprit for Sterling’s change of heart.

Blecher called Silver's handling of the situation, “just plain nasty.”

Silver was concerned about Sterling and said as much to Rachel Nichols in her "Unguarded with Rachel Nichols" program on CNN


Sterling has sent a statement to NBC News that reads in part:

The action taken by Adam Silver and the NBA constitutes a violation of my rights and fly in the face of the freedoms that are afforded to all Americans.

I have decided that I must fight to protect my rights. While my position may not be popular, I believe that my rights to privacy and the preservation of my rights to due process should not be trampled.

I love the team and have dedicated 33 years of my life to the organization. I intend to fight to keep the Team.

Of course, he does...

In addition, Sterling has given his attorneys the go-ahead to chase a billion-dollar federal lawsuit against the league.

Sterling Agrees To Sell, All Lawsuits Dropped...

((HT: KABC-TV))

And, for this moment in time, the Los Angeles Clippers and the NBA are in one accord...

And we're also waiting for some next move to come from some angle somewhere... which may be why he hadn't signed any documents with any great speed...

Donald Sterling has thrown it in for the moment and the NBA is looking to give the team to Steve Ballmer for two-billion dollars


ESPNLA's Ramona Shelburne, who has been on top of the story from the beginning discusses...
((HT: ESPN))

Donald Sterling's Past Is Condensed

((HT: ESPN))

It started when Donald Sterling tried channeling his inner Al Davis when he bought the San Diego Clippers and wanted to move them to Los Angeles. He did and didn't care what the NBA thought then or now...

He had a history of not investing, openly expressed the desire to tank to improve his draft position, and apparently fawning over his athletes. And that's just on the court...

The businessman and his wife, Shelly, were just as ruthless off the court with the business dealings- lawsuits and public perceptions be damned...

Here's John Barr's short version of "Outside The Lines" accumulation of the Sterlings transgressions that were either unchecked, ignored, or both by the league that enabled his behavior- until just recently...


The Mike Fish story is a good read as to how when someone is allowed to run unfettered in hos thought patters and values, the 2014 version of Donald Sterling is allowed to happen...

Donald Sterling Fires Back: Files Suit Against NBA for $1Billion

((ht: nbcnews.com))

You knew this was coming. It had to be.

Amidst reports that wife Shelly Sterling has agreed to sell his beloved Los Angeles Clippers, NBC News reports team owner Donald Sterling is suing the NBA...

For $1 Billion Dollars:



Yeah...that's what we thought too.

The suit is supposedly to block the sale of the team and to fight the NBA's decree that Sterling sell his team.

Read the NBC News story RIGHT HERE

Did we add that TMZ reports Sterling is and has been suffering from Dementia? For up to the past 3 years? And that's not to say he and his lawyers aren't serious here. We think they are....

His lawyers say the reports "Overstate" his condition. But it's exactly that condition that Shelly has used to take over the franchise and negotiate the potential sale to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Make sense?


But everyone involved in the current game. Donald Sterling, Shelley Sterling, Adam Silver and the NBA are all putting their cards on the table ahead of Tuesday's vote to possibly take the team away from Donald..

Donald Sterling Diagnosed With Alzheimer's, Thus The Trust's Moves

((HT: TMZ Sports/ESPNLA))

TMZ is reporting on the Clips on a few fronts...

First, that the Ballmer bid of $2-billion is all cash...

Second, that Donald Sterling was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

From the TMZ article:

We're told earlier this month Donald agreed to an examination by 2 prominent neurologists. He underwent extensive tests, including a CT and PET scan. We're told both doctors diagnosed Donald with Alzheimer's and concluded he may have had the disease for as long as 5 years. The doctors both concluded he did not have the ability to conduct the business of the team.

If two doctors come up with the same diagnosis, the Trust can then take over for the incapacitated partner. That meant that Shelly Sterling could do what she wanted when it came to the proposed sale of the club to another party.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne confirms the Alzheimer's diagnosis.

Here's your live shot outside of Staples Center to recap Thursday in the Clippers saga
((HT: KABC-TV))

Mental Incapacitation Gives Sterling Trust Green Light With Ballmer

((HT: MyFoxLA))

From Ramona Shelburne at ESPN again:

Espn has learned that experts had declared Donald Sterling mentally incapacitated, leaving Shelly as sole trustee & power to sell the team

That way, Shelly Sterling didn't need anything resembling her husband's permission to negotiate a deal.

Here's the early thoughts on the deal heading to the NBA office
Los Angeles Local News | FOX 11 LA KTTV

The next move is Donald Sterling's, but he'll have to go after his wife first before chasing the NBA.

From James Rainey, Andrea Chang, and Chris O'Brien:

Bobby Samini, an attorney for co-owner Donald Sterling, said as he left Sterling's home: "There's been no sale. There can be no sale without Donald's signature."

Ah, the layers...

Donald Sterling Surely Will Be Talking About Rich DeVos (Or First)

((HT: MLive.com))

The HQ is working two tracks here

In addition to the James Rainey piece in the Times about the high bidder that may or may not get the team, reports are that the NBA will hold off on their vote to get rid of Clippers owner Donald Sterling as boss if the Sterlings can agree on the sale and the sale price.

And that's the rub in all of this...

Donald Sterling is looking to make sure that he goes down swinging- at least at this hour.

He was still planning on a lawsuit against the NBA and wants to vet the other NBA owners who he and his attorneys feel have said worse things publicly than he did in private.

The big hook seems to be Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos an his comments about the gay community. In a 2009 interview with the Grand Rapids Press, reporter Chris Knape talked to DeVos around the 50th anniversary of DeVos' Amway Corporation.
Sterling notes DeVos in his missive to the NBA earlier this week that DeVos "has made highly controversial comments against individuals with HIV/AIDS and generously supports anti-homosexual causes with impugnity (sic)." Shandra Martinez over at MLive talks about the interview in depth hyah.

Report: Clippers To Be Sold To Former Microsoft CEO, Price Agreed To But Will He Sell? (UPDATED)

((ht: latimes.com))

We will start this story by saying this: While the LA Times is certainly a credible news organization, and we believe this report to be true because it makes sense, don't assume it's a done deal.

The Los Angeles Times reports that former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has won the bidding war for Donald Sterling's Los Angeles Clippers.

The price: $1.8 billion....

Yes, that's right, $1.8 billion for a team that 20-years ago was the laughingstock of the NBA.

Ballmer's bid was the highest among the groups that made offers to Donald Sterling's wife Shelly.

Read more from the LA Times RIGHT HERE

Now...this report is tempered by the fact that depending on what time it is, Donald Sterling will say it's up to him to sell the team, he doesn't want to sell, he wants to fight the NBA.

And maybe he will. It's no secret Sterling will do things just to piss people off and he may do that here.

But how do you pass up $1.8 billion?

When it comes down to it, we don't think he will pass it up. But he will make the NBA, commissioner Adam Silver, the players and pretty much everyone else sweat while he takes his time making up his mind.

So there's that...

PM UPDATE: The LA Times Andrea Chang is hanging out outside the Sterling mansion right now and has reaction from Donald Sterling's attorney on her Twitter feed...

Sterling's lawyer just told me, in Sterling's driveway, "My belief is he will not sell this team."

Donald Sterling refused to come to the door of his home, but I could hear him holler, "How could she have the nerve to come here?"

Sharon Terlep over at the Wall Street Journal has the conditions of the sale for Sterling:

In order for the NBA to sign off on a sale, as it is required to, the league wants Mr. Sterling agree to several provisions: to not sue the league, to pay a $2.5 million fine levied by the league and to accept a lifetime ban imposed by the league.

2100 UPDATE: Ramona Shelburne is reporting that there is a "signed, binding agreement between Ballmer and the Sterling Family Trust" and that "the agreement is going straight to the NBA for final approval"

Still awaiting the reaction from Donald Sterling, though...

Sterlings Working Both Sides Of The Street: Donald Looks To Sue, Shelly Looks To Sell

((HT: KTLA-TV/ESPNLA))

First, from KTLA's Christina Pascucci, via her Twitter:

#EXCLUSIVE #BREAKING I've learned #DonaldSterling plans to sue @NBA and will likely file suit by end of week

Filed through his attorneys, Blecher, Collins, Pepperman, and Joye the complaint involves the desire for a jury trial on a complaint of "Violations for Denial of Constitutional Rights, Breach of Contract, Antitrust Violations, Conversion, and Breach of Fiduciary Duty" whatever all that means...

At the same time, Shelly Sterling is looking to have all letters of intent in house by the end of business eastern time today and is ready to have Bank of America vet all serious bidders by the end of Thursday.

The LA Times James Rainey has word that Shelly Sterling's term letter calls for a 100-percent stake for the new owners- apparently, giving the impression that she will not be around. All that despite Donald Sterling's intent to stay owner and fight the NBA and his wife in the battle for ownership.

Getting all this...???

Rainey lists the main four to pay attention to as:

A Guggenheim group that includes Oprah Winfrey, Larry Ellison, and David Geffen
A Grant Hill-involved group that includes Ares Management's Tony Ressler and Tribune chairman Bruce Karsh
The Steve Ballmer group
A group of middle eastern investors

Bill Simmons, via his Twitter, maintains that Guggenheim will announce their intent Thursday, but the larger issue may be that the Sterlings want $300-million non-refundable up front of the purchase. That would be some kitty for lawyers as Donald Sterling (and, possibly, Shelly independently) would be in court.

Here's the Dean with Donald Sterling's initial response to the NBA's point-of-view from last night
((HT: NBC Los Angeles))


And, yes, it is now somewhat official as Ramona Shelburne confirms on her Twitter through Blecher that Donald Sterling has changed his mind since the letter to the NBA was sent a week ago.

Blecher says that "On May 22 that’s what [Sterling] wanted to do. But as time has evolved he’s come to a much more hardline position."

So Much for A Peaceful Resolution With The Sterlings

((HT: ABC News/USA Today/The Score))

Donald Sterling has issued a 32-page response to the NBA in the league's fight to oust him from being owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. In the 32-page tome, he is basically telling the league to stick it...

Big time...

Sterling's response claims the recording was made illegally in the state of California and therefore is inadmissable in any court proceeding. The morals clause some feel Sterling violated with his words, in Sterling's view, is meant only as an idea that is associated with the operation of a basketball franchise- not words spoken in the home.

Also, Donald Sterling's attorneys feel the fine given to their client is excessive and, if the team is ordered to be sold, the capital gains taxes would be huge and cause an unnecessary strain on the Sterling's finances...

Got all that...???

Shelly Sterling is planning her own response as well...

From Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today:

Shelly Sterling's response, which is being made separate from her husband Donald, was due by midnight (ET) Tuesday after the NBA filed formal charges last week against Donald Sterling, accusing him of damaging the league with racist remarks.

By reasserting her position as the innocent 50% owner, Shelly Sterling is building on her case that she should be able to retain at least some ownership stake in the team. Meanwhile, she is trying to sell a controlling interest in the team after her husband authorized her to sell it on his behalf.

Oh...

Bank of America was being consulted by the Sterlings on a sale...
The HQ wonders if they have a retainer...

Here's the interview Shelly Sterling did with the "Today Show" about her husband's mental state- just as a refresher for the innocent 50-percent owner...
((HT: NBC News))

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Shelly Sterling Met With Steve Ballmer Over Clippers, But Don't Bet On A Move

((HT: Ramona Shelburne/The Score))

Shelburne's Tweet credited TMZ Sports with the news here- which would reinforce a few things from KING5-TV's Chris Daniels conversations in the last month or so...

TMZ reports, however, a concern over a move of the Clippers to Ballmer's home turf of Seattle.

But, Shira Ovide's interview with Ballmer in the Wall Street Journal before his commencement address to students at Southern Cal's Marshall School of Business, pooh-poohs any such idea:

The HQ reversed the two questions Ovide asked Ballmer for the sake of not blowing continuity of copy...

WSJ: So you wouldn’t move the Clippers to Seattle?

Ballmer: If I get interested in the Clippers, it would be for Los Angeles. I don’t work anymore, so I have more geographic flexibility than I did a year, year-and-a half ago. Moving them anywhere else would be value destructive.

WSJ: You’ve tried a couple times to buy an NBA franchise to return a basketball team to Seattle. Are you interested in the Los Angeles Clippers, if the team goes up for sale?

Ballmer: I have nothing definitive to say. Am I right on top of what’s going on there? Absolutely I am. I love basketball, and I’d love to participate at some point in the NBA. If the opportunity is outside of Seattle, so be it. I will learn about any team that comes up for sale at this point.

Re-running Hansen's piece from last month about a possible move, here's the thoughts and they're not all that optimistic for the pacific northwest- and this was last month:
((HT: KING5))

But, remember, any Hansen-Ballmer sniff of the Clippers better go through proper channels with commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA office or the duo could be shut out entirely. Just because Ballmer may meet with Shelly Sterling doesn't mean much for putting them at the front of the line for prospective owners of the team.

For Hansen-Ballmer, their first phone call after securing the meeting with Sterling and her lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, better have been to New York City if they want to play in the reindeer games down the line.

DEVELOPING: Sterlings Take The Next Step

Surprising no one, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has transferred ownership of the franchise to his wife, Shelly, in their first attempt to keep the NBA from taking the team from them.

Shelly Sterling, per multiple reports will be charged with overseeing the sale of the franchise to a yet-to-be determined buyer.

But, according to Ramona Shelburne who has been on top of this since the beginning, it is still unclear just how much of the Clippers she is willing to sell on orders from her husband. And that's where the semantics kicks in.

From NBA spokesman Mike Bass:

"We continue to follow the process set forth in the NBA Constitution regarding termination of the current ownership interests in the Los Angeles Clippers and are proceeding toward a hearing on this matter on June 3."

James Rainey of the LA Times discusses how the V.Stiviano/Sterling relationship brought all of this stuff forward very quickly with Steve Edwards of "Good Day LA"
((HT: MyFoxLA))
Los Angeles Local News | FOX 11 LA KTTV

NBA Starts Process To Get Rid Of Sterling (UPDATED With Reax)

((ht: usatoday.com))

And so it begins.

The NBA has taken the 1st official steps to begin the process of removing Donald Sterling as the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.

The league has filed official "Charges" stating Sterling has "engaged in conduct that has damaged and continues to damage the NBA and it's teams".

We could go on and on about the various groups the highly controversial owner has managed to find a way to insult over the past month, but it would take a little longer than we have to write this.

The leagues press release states Sterling has until May 27th to respond to the charges and a hearing to end his ownership will happen June 3rd.

And yes, Sterling has already said he'll fight any and all comers and is prepared to have his lawyers do what he believes necessary.

Unfortunately, this is the outcome most expected. Sadly this may get uglier...much uglier, before it gets resolved.

Kinda like this...
((HT: ABC7 Los Angeles))


Here is the release in full from the NBA:

The NBA initiated a charge today seeking to terminate the ownership of Donald Sterling in the Los Angeles Clippers. If the NBA Board of Governors sustains the charge by a 3/4 vote, all ownership interests in the Clippers will be terminated and the team will be sold to new owners.

The NBA Constitution provides Mr. Sterling with the opportunity to respond to the charge by May 27, as well as the right to appear and make a presentation at a special meeting of the Board of Governors. This hearing, which is planned for June 3, will be presided over by NBA Board of Governors Chairman Glen Taylor, the controlling Governor of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The charge asserts that Mr. Sterling engaged in conduct that has damaged and continues to damage the NBA and its teams. Among other things, Mr. Sterling disparaged African-Americans and “minorities”; directed a female acquaintance not to associate publicly with African-Americans or to bring African-Americans to Clippers games; and criticized African-Americans for not supporting their communities.

Mr. Sterling’s actions and positions significantly undermine the NBA’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion; damage the NBA’s relationship with its fans; harm NBA owners, players and Clippers team personnel; and impair the NBA’s relationship with marketing and merchandising partners, as well as with government and community leaders. Mr. Sterling engaged in other misconduct as well, including issuing a false and misleading press statement about this matter.

All of these acts provide grounds for termination under several provisions of the NBA Constitution and related agreements.

1815 UPDATE: Leaving no opportunity to waste, Shelly Sterling's attorney Pierce O'Donnell released a statement as well...

Shelly Sterling's lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, released a statement on Monday.

"We have just received the voluminous charges and are beginning the process of carefully reviewing them," O'Donnell said. "Based on our initial assessment, we continue to believe there is no lawful basis for stripping Shelly Sterling of her 50 percent ownership interest in the Clippers. She is the innocent estranged spouse. We also continue to hope that we can resolve this dispute with the NBA for the good of all constituencies."