Donald Sterling to File Lawsuit Against NBA ‘Very Soon,’ Attorney Says
Los
Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling may file a lawsuit against the
NBA and its commissioner, Adam Silver, as early as Thursday, according
to an attorney for the embattled billionaire.
The lawsuit was being prepared even as reports surfaced that as many
as five bidders were willing to offer up to $2 billion for the
franchise, which is owned by the Sterling family trust. Donald and
Shelly Sterling each own 50 percent of the team.
Despite efforts by the NBA and Shelly Sterling to expedite the sale of the Clippers, a lawyer for Donald Sterling said his client is determined to retain ownership of the franchise.
“He tells me, as of 4 o’clock, the answer is no,” attorney Max Blecher said Wednesday, when asked if Sterling would agree to a sale.
A draft of the legal complaint, which was shown to a reporter during an interview, cites alleged breach of contract and anti-trust violations by the NBA. The lawsuit also demands a jury trial for Sterling, who was banned for life by the NBA earlier this month and fined $2.5 billion after making racist remarks in a recorded conversation.
“He gave me marching orders and said, ‘Yield no quarter. Fight … to the bloody end,’” Blecher told KTLA.
“The charges are complete baloney,” Blecher added. “The one they might have had an argument about — the one about making a statement that was harmful to the interests of the league – is preceded by the word ‘willfully.’ And they know he didn’t do this willfully.”
Renowned sports agent Leigh Steinberg is one of many who believe a sale of the Clippers would be in the team’s best interest.
“Sterling’s saga gets curiouser and curiouser,” Steinberg said. “But the opportunity the Clippers have is to finally retake a fair share of Los Angeles sports fans.”
Shelly Sterling is reportedly attempting to capitalize on that opportunity. She met with former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer last weekend at her home in Malibu, where the retired tech executive made an aggressive offer, a source told CNN.
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll on Wednesday expressed his support for Ballmer’s bid.
“The Clippers would be so fortunate to get Steve Ballmer as owner,” Carroll said on Twitter. “He’s a great competitive force & would bring big energy to the LAC fanbase.”
Pierce O’Donnell, an attorney representing Shelly Sterling, told USA Today that Donald Sterling had made a written agreement with his estranged wife to sell the franchise.
“Donald Sterling has authorized Shelly Sterling in writing to negotiate the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers, including his 50 percent ownership of the team. Shelly is managing the sale of the Clippers,” O’Donnell said. “While no formal offers have yet been received, Shelly and the NBA are working cooperatively on the transaction.”
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Team
owner Donald Sterling of the Los Angeles Clippers watches the San
Antonio Spurs play against the Memphis Grizzlies during Game One of the
Western Conference Finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center on
May 19, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas. (Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty
Images)
Despite efforts by the NBA and Shelly Sterling to expedite the sale of the Clippers, a lawyer for Donald Sterling said his client is determined to retain ownership of the franchise.
“He tells me, as of 4 o’clock, the answer is no,” attorney Max Blecher said Wednesday, when asked if Sterling would agree to a sale.
A draft of the legal complaint, which was shown to a reporter during an interview, cites alleged breach of contract and anti-trust violations by the NBA. The lawsuit also demands a jury trial for Sterling, who was banned for life by the NBA earlier this month and fined $2.5 billion after making racist remarks in a recorded conversation.
“He gave me marching orders and said, ‘Yield no quarter. Fight … to the bloody end,’” Blecher told KTLA.
“The charges are complete baloney,” Blecher added. “The one they might have had an argument about — the one about making a statement that was harmful to the interests of the league – is preceded by the word ‘willfully.’ And they know he didn’t do this willfully.”
Renowned sports agent Leigh Steinberg is one of many who believe a sale of the Clippers would be in the team’s best interest.
“Sterling’s saga gets curiouser and curiouser,” Steinberg said. “But the opportunity the Clippers have is to finally retake a fair share of Los Angeles sports fans.”
Shelly Sterling is reportedly attempting to capitalize on that opportunity. She met with former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer last weekend at her home in Malibu, where the retired tech executive made an aggressive offer, a source told CNN.
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll on Wednesday expressed his support for Ballmer’s bid.
“The Clippers would be so fortunate to get Steve Ballmer as owner,” Carroll said on Twitter. “He’s a great competitive force & would bring big energy to the LAC fanbase.”
Pierce O’Donnell, an attorney representing Shelly Sterling, told USA Today that Donald Sterling had made a written agreement with his estranged wife to sell the franchise.
“Donald Sterling has authorized Shelly Sterling in writing to negotiate the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers, including his 50 percent ownership of the team. Shelly is managing the sale of the Clippers,” O’Donnell said. “While no formal offers have yet been received, Shelly and the NBA are working cooperatively on the transaction.”
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