Key dates leading to Los Angeles Clippers sale
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A timeline of developments in the record $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer:
April 25 — Recordings emerge and quickly spread of team owner Donald Sterling denouncing his 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 says in TV interview 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 says in TV interview 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 former Microsoft CEO Steve 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.
Aug. 8 — Probate judge refuses Donald Sterling’s request to block the sale but says he could file it again.
Aug. 11 — Probate judge enters his order confirming the authority of Shelly Sterling, on behalf of the Sterling Family Trust, to sell the team to Ballmer.