The sooner this is done, the faster everyone will be happy.
This is not Sparta and there will be no glorious finish for Mr. Sterling (word to Jeff Van Gundy’s statements not too long ago where he said, “I can’t wait until I never have to hear the name Donald Sterling again”). Many people feel the same way, but according to Sterling’s attorney he is going to “fight until the bloody end.”
Reports recently came out that Sterling was going to allow his wife to handle the sale of the team, but now he’s even opposing that, according to Tuesday’s comments. He stubbornly stated, “It’s my team, and I’ll sell it when and if I get around to it.” Sorry Mr. Sterling but once you signed the NBA constitution as an owner you agreed to abide by the rules stated within that and anything that you do that negatively affects the league can have you removed. But, that must be a forgotten point here. Sterling’s lawyers are holding onto the idea that “what the NBA is doing is illegal and it will not hold up in court.” He went on to call the league’s case against them “a blatant invasion of constitutional rights” and “a complete pile of trash.”
OS REWIND: Donald Sterling Interview With Anderson Cooper
OS REWIND: Magic Johnson Responds To Donald Sterling in Interview With Anderson Cooper
His wife, Shelly Sterling, completely ignored the comments by saying she is moving quickly to have the team sold and has begun to accept bids today (May 28). Bank of America has officially released financials for the team to potential investors and it is believed that the bidding will start at $1B. But, with the team media deals and a nine year lease remaining at the Staples Center – a winning bidder may have to go a little deeper in their pockets.
Speculation has calmed publicly as to whom will end up owning the Clippers once the forced sale takes place, which lets you know it is go time. According to Shelly Sterling’s advisers she has been seriously approached by six groups, four of which are known, while two remain private. They include: former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer; a group including music mogul David Geffen, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and Oprah Winfrey; billionaire surgeon and entrepreneur Patrick Soon-Shiong; and a group including former NBA star Grant Hill and Southern California businessmen Tony Ressler and Bruce Karsh. It appears the process is moving rather quickly.
The NBA owners still have to vote on the matter, but it is expected to be unanimous for his removal and rightfully so.
