http://bigstory.ap.org/article/attorney-donald-sterling-says-no-deal-suit
ATTORNEY: DONALD STERLING SAYS NO DEAL; SUIT IS ON
By TAMI ABDOLLAH — Jun. 9, 2014 9:50 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has pulled his
support from a deal to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
and will pursue his $1 billion federal lawsuit against the NBA, his attorney
said Monday.
"We have been instructed to prosecute the lawsuit," said attorney Maxwell
Blecher. He said co-owner Donald Sterling would not be signing off on the
deal to sell.
The $2 billion sale was negotiated by his wife Shelly Sterling after Donald
Sterling's racist remarks to a girlfriend were publicized and the NBA moved
to oust him as owner.
The lawsuit alleges the league violated his constitutional rights by relying
on information from an "illegal" recording that publicized racist remarks he
made to a girlfriend. It also said the league committed a breach of contract
by fining Sterling $2.5 million and that it violated antitrust laws by trying
to force a sale.
Donald Sterling agreed to ink the deal and drop the suit last week assuming
"all their differences had been resolved," his attorneys said. But he decided
to not sign the papers after learning the NBA won't revoke its lifetime ban
and fine.
Shelly Sterling utilized her authority as sole trustee of The Sterling Family
Trust, which owns the Clippers, to take bids for the team and ultimately
negotiate a deal with Ballmer. The deal would have record-breaking if
approved by the NBA's owners.
An individual familiar with the negotiations who wasn't authorized to speak
publicly said Monday that there were two options for Donald Sterling — to
either sign or go to court. But even if he wins in court, he's ultimately
going to be paying himself the damages the individual said because his wife
Shelly Sterling has agreed to indemnify the NBA against all lawsuits,
including by her husband.
Donald Sterling's comments to V. Stiviano included telling her to not bring
black people to Clippers games, specifically mentioning Hall of Famer Magic
Johnson. They resulted in a storm of outrage from the public and players and
even prompted President Barack Obama to comment on what he called Sterling's
"incredibly offensive racist statements."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ultimately decided to ban Donald Sterling for
life, fine him millions, and began efforts to force Sterling to sell the
team. Those efforts ended with Shelly Sterling's deal with Ballmer.
If this deal ultimately goes through, its terms allow Shelly Sterling to
remain close to the organization by allowing for up to 10 percent of the team
— or $200 million — to be spun off into a charitable foundation that she
would essentially run.
Shelly Sterling and Ballmer would be co-chairs of the foundation, which would
target underprivileged families, battered women, minorities and inner city
youths.
Under the deal Shelly Sterling would also get the title of "owner emeritus"
and be entitled to continuing perks such as floor seats, additional seats at
games and parking.
One of the individuals said the deal also includes conditions that allow
Ballmer to buy back the 10 percent portion of the team for a pre-designated
price upon Shelly Sterling's death.