Donald Sterling Loses Court Case- Forced To Sell Clippers

USA reports that:

Judge Michael Levanas handed down an "oral tentative statement decision" that affirmed Shelly Sterling had the authority to reach an agreement in May to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who has set an Aug. 15 deadline to complete the deal. The judge said he would review objections before issuing a written ruling.

Even if Donald Sterling continues to fight, included in the judge's ruling is a provision in California trust law that allows Shelly Sterling to proceed with the sale of the team "as if no appeal were pending," according to provision 1310(b).

The probate court decision also could resolve potential controversy, with members of the Clippers talking about a potential boycott and coach Doc Rivers considering stepping down if Donald Sterling remains owner when the 2014-15 season starts in October.

Donald Sterling has two other suits pending in the matter — one contending his wife and Ballmer violated corporate law and the other seeking more than $1 billion in damages from the NBA.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league would move to strip the Sterlings' ownership if the sale was not final by Sept. 15. Silver banned Donald Sterling from the league for life and fined him $2.5 million in April after an audio recording of racist comments by Sterling.