Judge rules against Donald Sterling, stage set for Clippers sale to go through
On Monday, the arduous trial between Shelly and Donald Sterling waged on in probate court.
And although the team hasn't yet changed hands, it's likely that Shelly Sterling will be able to legally proceed with the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer based on the court's rulings.
BREAKING: Judge rules against Clippers owner Donald Sterling, OKs sale of team to ex-Microsoft CEO.
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 28, 2014
The court made three separate rulings on Monday.
First, the court found that Shelly Sterling acted without undo influence when she entered into a deal with Ballmer. Donald Sterling's camp argued that she had ulterior motives, of which the court found otherwise. After hearing testimony from both sides, the court ruled that Shelly Sterling was acting responsibly in finding doctors to evaluate Donald Sterling's declining mental health, and that her motives were "OK."
Second, the court found that Shelly "clearly had the authority" to engage in contact with Ballmer in regards to the sale. The court reasoned that the Sterling Family Trust, owned equally by Shelly and Donald Sterling, owns the Clippers, not Donald himself.
Third, the court found it fit to use the 1310(b) provision, which allowed the judge to grant authority to Shelly Sterling to sell the Clippers "as if no appeal were pending." This, more than points one and two, clears the way for Shelly to legally proceed with the sale of the Clippers on her own behest.
The end result is that the legal blocks against Shelly Sterling's sale of the Clippers for $2 billion to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer have been removed. Donald can continue to sue, but attempts to block the deal with Ballmer will be denied.
Shelly Sterling is crying. "I'm just happy it's over. A great man will be taking over the team now."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 28, 2014
This was the resolution commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA were looking for. Donald Sterling's racist remarks drew the ire of players and owners alike, which led to the league taking extremely harsh sanctions against him.
Lawyers for Shelly Sterling and Ballmer expect the sale of the team to go through by Aug. 15. The team will remain in Los Angeles, and will remain the Clippers "for the foreseeable future," Ballmer's lawyer added.
The NBA released a statement Monday evening, after the court's ruling:
We are pleased that the court has affirmed Shelly Sterling’s right to sell the Clippers to Steve Ballmer. We look forward to the transaction closing as soon as possible.
While Monday's proceedings were another step in the right direction for the NBA to move past the Donald Sterling saga, it's important to note that more legal battles likely lay ahead:
To be clear - this isn't over over. Still a writ of appeal - still another lawsuit to try and go around Levanas' decision.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 28, 2014
We'll give the final words to Sports Illustrated's Michael McCann:
From the standpoint of NBA fans, the Sterling saga is effectively over. The NBA will approve Ballmer and he will become the new Clippers owner.
From the standpoint of the court system, the Sterling legal saga is far from over. He has filed billion dollar lawsuits against his wife, the NBA and Silver and those lawsuits may take years to play out. But Donald Sterling will litigate as a mere former NBA owner. He also remains banned from any NBA activities.
Tap here to read his full piece.