National
NBA Makes its Case Against Clippers Owner Donald Sterling
Donald Sterling and V. Stiviano attend a Clippers game in 2011. The NBA has compiled a voluminous collection of accusations and statements in its effort to strip Donald Sterling and his wife, Shelly, of ownership of the team. (Danny Moloshok/AP)
(Los Angeles Times) – Donald Sterling made several attempts to deflect responsibility for his rant against African Americans — even asking his companion V. Stiviano to lie about the authenticity of the recording of the incident, the NBA contended in a supporting declaration as part of its formal case against the Los Angeles Clippers owner.
The new claim was made by the NBA’s chief investigator and is among a voluminous collection of accusations and statements that the pro basketball league compiled in its effort to strip Sterling and his wife, Shelly, of ownership of the team.
The confidential documents, reviewed by The Times, alleged that Sterling and his wife of 58 years “are not in any sense estranged,” as she has said. Shelly Sterling has been trying to distance herself from her husband as she makes her case to keep half ownership of the Clippers.
The league asserted that it must oust Shelly Sterling as an owner, along with her husband, to avoid the appearance that he is still in charge, which would “undoubtedly and dramatically reduce the value of the team.”
