Sterling Does 180, Will Sue NBA, Fight Clippers Sale

After announcing through his attorney last week that he would not fight the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers, embattled owner Donald Sterling this week made an about-face, saying he would protest the sale and resume a $1 billion federal lawsuit against the National Basketball Association. Sterling was vilified and subsequently banned from the NBA after racist comments he made were caught on tape and widely reported. A $2 billion deal with former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer – a deal that would have garnered Sterling a hefty profit on the team – appeared to be on the cusp of completion. Now, though, Sterling’s accusations of antitrust violations could drag through the legal system for years. “I have decided that I must fight to protect my rights,” Sterling said. “While my position may not be popular, I believe that my rights to privacy and the preservation of my rights to due process should not be trampled. I love the team and have dedicated 33 years of my life to the organization. I intend to fight to keep the team.”