Donald Sterling gives control of Clippers to wife Shelly, she wants to sell

By Dan Zinski | May 23, 2014

May 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Shelly Sterling (Rochelle Sterling) attends game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles CLippers at Staples Center. Sterling is the wife of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling (not in attendance). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

A major new development in the Donald Sterling saga, first reported by TMZ. According to sources, Donald Sterling is no longer in control of the Los Angeles Clippers after handing the reins over to his wife Shelly. TMZ reports that Shelly and the Sterlings’ lawyers are now secretly working with the NBA to sell the team.

Shelly took control of the team, reportedly, because it’s believed that she has more credibility with the league than her disgraced husband and therefore more leverage. TMZ also says that Shelly has made it clear she will sue the NBA if they attempt to force an involuntary sale. In other words, Shelly is willing to sell, but she wants a fair deal.

Sterling attorney Pierce O’Donnell, when contacted by TMZ for comment, said “Shelly Sterling’s preference has always been to find a way to resolve this dispute amicably with the NBA in a mutually satisfactory manner.”

Donald Sterling has been under pressure to sell the Clippers since tapes, surreptitiously made by his paramour V. Stiviano, emerged that painted him as a bigot. Multiple luminaries including Magic Johnson have spoken out against Sterling in the wake of the audio bombshell.

Sterling has remained defiant throughout, but now it appears he has given in to the inevitable.

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