Doc Rivers wants out if Donald Sterling remains owner of Los Angeles Clippers

It seems obvious to anybody that has monitored the ugly situation regarding Donald Sterling and the Los Angeles Clippers that head coach and team president Doc Rivers will want out if Sterling remains the owner. What matters in this case, however, is that team CEO Dick Parsons offered Rivers’ stance as part of his testimony on Tuesday as part of the trial Sterling has brought against the NBA.

More from Los Angeles Clippers

• Did Russell Westbrook play role in James Harden’s Clippers interest?
• 3 potential James Harden suitors not named the Clippers
• The new NBA flopping rules explained
• 5 players Sixers could acquire in Harden deal to stay competitive
• NBA rumors: One Damian Lillard suitor could drop out in favor of another star

Parsons cited conversations he has had with Rivers about leaving as part of his larger point that it is necessary to get rid of Sterling in the best interests of the franchise. Ramona Shelbourne of ESPN reports on the testimony:

"Dick Parsons said he’s talked to Rivers, several players and key sponsors who are troubled by Sterling’s continued ownership of the franchise, which is being adjudicated in a California probate court.At issue is whether Shelly Sterling acted properly in selling the franchise for a record $2 billion to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, without her husband’s expressed consent."

Not surprisingly, Sterling’s attorneys were less than thrilled with Parsons speaking on behalf of Rivers that way as part of his testimony. Still, it did not take away from the substance of the point he was trying to make.

"Parsons said losing Rivers would be “a disaster” that would “accelerate the death spiral” for the franchise.“If none of your sponsors want to sponsor you, your coach doesn’t want to coach you, and players don’t want to play for you, what do you have?” Parsons said."

The loss of sponsors has been gradual, with some companies putting such a decision on hold. More important here is the potential loss of the face of the franchise, which is the point Parsons emphasized in his testimony.