An American judge has ruled that the record $NZ 2.3 billion sale of the NBA basketball's Los Angeles Clippers can proceed over the objections of co-owner Donald Sterling.
Los Angles Clippers' owners Donald Sterling and Wife Shelly during the Western Conference game 2 between Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Monday 22 April 2013. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas says the deal, brokered by Sterling's estranged wife, Shelly Sterling, was legal and can go ahead even if Sterling, who has been banned for life from the NBA for racist remarks, chose to appeal.
The judge says his tentative ruling would take formal effect when he issues it in writing in coming weeks.
Sterling, who was banned after his remarks to a female friend were taped and published, had vowed to block the sale he initially blessed because he said his wife improperly removed him as a trustee of the family trust that owns the Clippers.
Shelly Sterling's attorney, Pierce O'Donnell, argued she followed the procedures laid out in the trust and Donald Sterling was not duped into submitting to the mental health exams that determined he could not manage business affairs.
In the nine-day trial, interim Clippers CEO Richard Parsons testified that sponsors were ready to leave, head coach Doc Rivers may quit and players could refuse to play if Sterling was able to keep the team.
Donald Sterling, who has owned the Clippers for 33 years, has also sued the NBA, league Commissioner Adam Silver and his wife, contending the team was illegally taken from him.
