Disgraced L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling is no longer in control of the franchise he has now owned for over three decades and seems to have finally come to the realization his days as the league's longest tenured owner are numbered.
According to TMZ Sports, the 81-year-old Sterling has already surrendered controlling interest of the team to his estranged wife, Shelly, and she has already commenced secret talks with first-year commissioner Adam Silver regarding a sale.
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TMZ adds Donald Sterling "saw the handwriting on the wall as long as he remained in control, the NBA would order an involuntary sale of the team."
Sterling recently came under fire after an audio tape of him admonishing his girlfriend "not to bring blacks to my games," specifically mentioning NBA legend Magic Johnson was made public. Within days, Silver moved to impose a lifetime ban on the real estate mogul and fine him a league-maximum $2.5 million.
TMZ also reports Shelly Sterling and her top attorney Pierre O'Donnell are now hoping to "resolve the dispute amicably," fully understanding that a sale of the franchise will be insisted upon by top NBA officials.
Among those who have expressed at least a preliminary interest in acquiring the the team are Johnson, Oprah Winfrey, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Oscar De La Hoya and David Geffen.
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