Donald Sterling plans to fight to keep LA Clippers
Donald Sterling plans to fight the National Basketball Association's $2.5 million fine and lifetime ban. The scandal started when audio recordings of his racist rants were leaked on the TMZ Sports and Deadspin websites last month.
A source close to the situation told CNN that Sterling threatened the NBA with a lawsuit if the punishment that was handed down by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver just days after the recordings were released is not rescinded. Sterling contends that the league's punishment was enacted too quickly. The source told CNN the rejection was via a letter sent to the National Basketball Association.
According to Sports Illustrated, the letter says that Sterling has not violated the NBA constitution and the NBA has violated Sterling's right to due process. Sports Illustrated and USA Today reported that Sterling hired antitrust lawyer Maxwell Blecher to represent him. CNN reached out to Blecher and the NBA but did not hear back from either.
NBA Analyst for the Bleacher Report Ric Bucher debated the latest legal developments with CNN analysts Jeffrey Toobin and Sunny Hostin.
Earlier this week Anderson Cooper sat down for an exclusive interview with Donald Sterling and asked him whether he planned to fight to retain ownership of the LA Clippers. Watch what he tells Anderson.
New 'Sterling' audiotape: She's a monster
Donald Sterling had only kind words to say about V. Stiviano during his interview with Anderson Cooper. Now another audiotape purportedly caught Sterling in a private conversation. This time there is a much different tone when it comes to Stiviano. Randi Kaye has the latest.
Are NBA players ready to boycott if Donald Sterling keeps the Clippers?
It is still unclear exactly how the NBA plans to remove Donald Sterling as owner of the Clippers. There is talk of a player boycott if he is still in control at the start of next season. Anderson spoke to Roger Mason Jr., who is Vice President of the National Basketball Players Association. He says the players are "unified and want to do the right thing."
Is it possible for Shelly Sterling to remain an owner of the Clippers? Anderson discussed this with CNN legal analysts Sunny Hostin and Mark Geragos.
AC360 Exclusive: Donald Sterling talks about racism, his marriage and the future ownership of the Clippers
Donald Sterling is on the verge of losing his basketball team and his marriage. But is he ready to fight to hold onto either of them? In his exclusive interview with Anderson Cooper, Sterling discusses his impending divorce. When it comes to the NBA, he says "I want to show all of the people that are associated with basketball and the world I'm not a racist."
Throughout his interview with Anderson Cooper, Donald Sterling denies being a racist. When asked whether he believes racism is still a problem in America, Sterling said "I think America handles everything well."
Donald Sterling's racist comments came as no surprise to NBA Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor. He sued the Clippers after more than two decades as the team's general manager. In the lawsuit, he described Sterling as having a "plantation-type" mentality. Sterling responded to that, along with allegations that he would bring women into the team locker room while telling them to look at players' "beautiful black bodies."
During the interview, Donald Sterling referred to his wife Shelly as his "ex-wife." He explained to Anderson what went wrong in their relationship.
AC360 Exclusive: Magic Johnson responds to Donald Sterling's insults
NBA legend Magic Johnson did not mean to land at the center of the Donald Sterling scandal. He posed for a photo with Sterling's friend V. Stiviano. She then recorded Sterling's rant where he demanded that she top taking pictures with African-Americans, including Magic Johnson.
The situation only heated up during Donald Sterling's interview with Anderson Cooper. Sterling launched attack after attack aimed at Magic Johnson. The disgraced Clippers owner called him out for his HIV status, questioned his position as a role model and even asked "what does he do for the black people?"
In an exclusive interview, Magic Johnson responds to Sterling's comments and discusses the scandal with Anderson Cooper.
Magic Johnson spoke candidly with Anderson about his decision to announce that he had HIV 22 years ago. Magic also discussed his work helping others with HIV and AIDS. Anderson also asked about Magic's business that brought thousands of jobs to urban areas.
Magic responds after Anderson plays a portion of the Sterling interview where he says, "Jews, when they get successful, they will help their people, and some of the African-Americans - maybe I'll get in trouble again - they don't want to help anybody,"
The NBA is moving ahead with its process for removing Donald Sterling as the owner of the L.A. Clippers. Magic Johnson spoke to Anderson about the future of the team, and his possible role as a future NBA owner.
After Donald Sterling's interview aired on AC360, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement apologizing to Magic Johnson on behalf of the league for being "dragged into this situation." Magic Johnson spoke to Anderson about the league's handing of the scandal. He also discussed the impact the scandal is having on the playoffs that are going on right now.
Donald Sterling asks for forgiveness, but claims he was 'baited' into making racist remarks
In Donald Sterling's first public interview since his racist remarks got him banned from the NBA, he tells Anderson Cooper that he wants to apologize. Sterling describes how the scandal is hurting his family, including his wife who he refers to as his ex-wife. But when it comes to the now infamous recordings, Sterling claims his friend V. Stiviano 'baited' him into making those racist remarks.
Sterling claims his remarks were motivated by jealousy not racism
Donald Sterling asks Anderson Cooper, "Did you ever like a girl and were ever jealous a little bit if she was with other guys?" Sterling was trying to make the case that the comments at the center of the scandal were really motivated by his jealousy and not racism. But Anderson confronts Sterling with his own words.
Is Donald Sterling planning to fight to keep his ownership of the Clippers?
The NBA did not just ban Donald Sterling for life, the league is taking action to force him to sell his share of the L.A. Clippers. When Anderson asked Sterling if he is willing to give up ownership, he said I doesn't think that's what the league wants. Sterling describes himself as "a good owner," he claims the Clippers players love him.
Donald Sterling on Magic Johnson: I mean he made love to every girl in every city in America and he had AIDS
Donald Sterling was caught on tape telling V. Stiviano that he does not want her taking pictures with African-Americans including Magic Johnson. Speaking to Anderson, Sterling launched a string of verbal attacks against the NBA legend. Sterling questioned Johnson's actions during this scandal, his philanthropy and lifestyle. At one point, Sterling asked "what kind of a guy goes to every city, has sex with every girl, then he catches HIV. Is that someone we want to respect and tell our kids about?"
Filmmaker Spike Lee listened to Donald Sterling's comments about Magic Johnson. He told Anderson, "he's delusional and he's not in touch with today's world. He's back there with 'Leave it to Beaver."
Inside Donald Sterling's relationship with V. Stiviano
She recorded private conversations with Donald Sterling. He claims she 'baited' him into making racist remarks. She may even have more recordings of their private moments. Despite all of that, Donald Sterling breaks down while discussing his feelings for V. Stiviano.
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