The record-setting $2 billion sale of Los Angeles Clippers is back on, after Donald Sterling lost an attempt to block the purchase. Sterling’s estranged wife negotiated a deal with former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer after the NBA announced they would be removing the 80 year old from the league over racist comments.
Shelly Sterling removed her estranged husband from the family’s trust that owned the team because doctors found evidence that he might have Alzheimer’s disease. Donald Sterling denied the allegations of having the disease, and accused his wife of conspiring against him.
Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas ruled Monday that Shelly Sterling had negotiated a good deal and was not involved in a plot to secretly seize the team. “I can’t believe it’s over,” Shelly Sterling said. “This is the best thing.” She hugged her lawyer and wept as Judge Levanas read his ruling.
The former NBA owner has been unapologetic since the league announced in February he was banned for life. Leaked phone messages revealed that he asked his younger ex-girlfriend Vivian Stiviano to avoid hanging out and being photographed with Black men and posting images of them on her Instagram. He stated that Lakers legend Magic Johnson was a bad role model for kids due to his HIV-positive status. After leaking the recording, Stiviano was the victim of an alleged racist assault in New York.
Lawyers for Donald Sterling said they plan to appeal, however he will not be able to block the sale of the team while lawyers appeal. The billionaire previously agreed to the sale of the team, but he refused when presented with the Ballmer deal. He then said he would sue the NBA instead of giving up his stake in the team. Sterling said in court that he will continue to use the court system to prevent the sale of the team.