Donald Sterling says he’s doing fine. Can the NBA say the same?
That was Sterling’s message to a reporter at a charity event in his first public appearance since former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer won a bidding war to purchase the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion (pending league approval).
“I’m OK, I’m OK,” Sterling said, via NBC Los Angeles. “Is the NBA OK? I’m not sure about that. Is (NBA commissioner) Adam Silver OK? I’m sure he’s OK.”
The embattled Clippers owner was banned from the NBA for life by Silver in April and agreed to let his wife sell the team in late May.
“I feel very good,” Sterling added. “Everything is just the way it should be, really. It may have worked out differently, but it’s good. It’s all good.”
While Sterling’s comments indicate that his dealings with the Clippers are in the past, his actions suggest otherwise.
Last Friday, Sterling filed a lawsuit against Silver and the NBA seeking more than $1 billion in damages, alleging a violation of his constitutional rights after his racially charged remarks were made public in an audio recording by V. Stiviano.
