Key dates in fight over Los Angeles Clippers sale

The Associated Press

Here is a timeline of developments in the move to sell the Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

April 25 — Recordings emerge and quickly spread of team owner Donald Sterling denouncing his young girlfriend for bringing black men to Clippers games.

April 29 — Sterling gets a lifetime ban and $2.5 million fine from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who called the remarks hateful and deeply offensive.

May 12 — Sterling tells CNN he’s not a racist and apologizes for his remarks then starts fresh firestorm with disparaging comment about Magic Johnson and HIV.

May 13 — Shelly Sterling tells NBC’s “Today” show that she fears Donald Sterling is in early stages of dementia.

May 29 — Shelly Sterling reaches agreement to sell the team for $2 billion to Ballmer. She says she has the authority under the family trust after two doctors found her 80-year-old husband had symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

June 4 — Donald Sterling agrees to sign off on sale.

June 9 — Donald Sterling pulls support for deal, vows long court fight to keep team.

July 7 — Probate court trial begins on legality of sale.

July 8-9 — Donald Sterling gives caustic, combative testimony during trial, shouting at lawyers for both sides and saying Shelly Sterling duped him. He calls her a pig when she tries to approach him after her testimony.

July 28 — Probate judge rules against Donald Sterling, says deal to sell team can go forward.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up