TMZ is reporting that Clippers embattled owner Donald Sterling has surrendered control of the franchise to his estranged wife, Shelly Sterling.
According to the report, Shelly Sterling will take it upon herself to secretly negotiate the sell of the Clippers on her terms.
Our sources say Shelly and her lawyer, Pierce O’Donnell, have been secretly meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA lawyers to “resolve the dispute amicably.” We’re told Shelly realizes the NBA wants the team sold, but she has significantly more leverage and credibility with the league than Donald. Her end game is simple — she won’t object to the sale, but SHE wants to call the shots.
Our Sterling sources say Shelly is prepared to sue the NBA and she will file legal docs on Tuesday if the NBA orders an INVOLUNTARY sale. She’s down with a sale but only a voluntary one that puts her in control.
Attorney Pierce O’Donnell would not comment on this story, but did say, “Shelly Sterling’s preference has always been to find a way to resolve this dispute amicably with the NBA in a mutually satisfactory manner.”
It would be great for the NBA, the fans and the Sterlings if this situation can resolved quickly without dragging on throughout the summer.