Donald Sterling Just Released Ownership of the Clippers NBA Team

 

Donald Sterling is no longer the controlling owner of the Los Angeles Clippers! TMZ reports that Donald has just surrendered control to his estranged wife, Shelly Sterling, and she is now secretly negotiating with the NBA to sell the team ... ON HER TERMS.

 

Sources connected with the Sterlings say Donald made the decision because he saw the handwriting on the wall -- as long as he remained in control, the NBA would order an involuntary sale of the team.

 

So, now, Shelly and her lawyer, Pierce O'Donnell, have been secretly meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA lawyers to "resolve the dispute amicably." Shelly realizes the NBA wants the team sold, but she has significantly more leverage and credibility with the league than Donald.  Her end game is simple -- she won't object to the sale, but SHE wants to call the shots.