The NBA is high-fiving a ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas clearing the way for that $2 billion dollar Clippers deal to move forward. Judge Levanas decision yesterday gives a huge victory to Shelly Sterling. In the probate trial, Donald Sterling claimed his estranged wife had defrauded him by taking control of the Sterling Trust and negotiating that multi-billion dollar agreement with former Microsoft executive Steve Ballmer. Will the litigious embattled owner of the Clippers step aside gracefully now? Probably not, but the judge’s ruling allows the deal to proceed even if Donald Sterling appeals the case.
Meanwhile, the NBA issued this statement about the ruling: “We are pleased that the court has affirmed Shelly Sterling’s right to sell the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer. We look forward to the transaction closing as soon as possible.” This sentiment is shared by the fans, players and anyone else who wants to see an end to this ugly drama and the focus returned to the Clippers on the basketball court.
