This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Donald Sterling is no longer a part of the NBA.The league on Tuesday announced that the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers had been finalized, transferring ownership of the team from Sterling to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.Here is the short news release from the league:"The transaction in which Steve Ballmer purchased the Los Angeles Clippers closed today following the entry of an order by a California court confirming the authority of Shelly Sterling, on behalf of the Sterling family, to sell the team. The NBA Board of Governors previously approved the sale and Ballmer is now the Clippers Governor."Sterling was banned from the league for life earlier this year by new commissioner Adam Silver, after recordings of Sterling making racist remarks were made public.
...
The Clippers released statements from Ballmer and coach Doc Rivers.
Ballmer: "I am humbled and honored to be the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. Clipper fans are so amazing. They have remained fiercely loyal to our franchise through some extraordinary times. I will be hard core in giving the team, our great coach, staff and players the support they need to do their best work on the court. And we will do whatever necessary to provide our fans and their families with the best game-night experience in the NBA."
Rivers: "This is an amazing new day in Clippers history. I couldn't be more excited to work together with Steve as we continue to build a first-class, championship organization. I am already inspired by Steve's passion for the game, his love of competition and desire to win the right way and I know our players and fans are going to be inspired as well."— Aaron Falk