Richard Parsons has been named interim CEO for the beleagured Los Angeles Clippers. Photo by Mark Lennihan/Associated Press
On his first day as the Clippers interim CEO, Dick Parsons hoped to provide some measure of clarity amid evolving developments surrounding the franchise’s ownership uncertainty.
The first item to address: Will co-owner Shelly Sterling still have a role with the Clippers?
“She is a beneficial owner of the team and has an ownership interest,” Parsons said in a phone interview with this newspaper. “But she doesn’t have a current role with the team and I don’t believe that will change.”
The NBA plans to hold a formal vote among the Board of Governors, hoping to seek a 3/4 majority of owners to force Donald Sterling to sell his team after making racially disparaging remarks on an audio tape that was released nearly two weeks ago. The NBA is anticipating a nearly unanimous decision that would force Donald Sterling to sell the team. But will that also entail Shelly Sterling giving up her 50 percent ownership stake?
Parsons did not offer any definitive answers, noting he is replacing both the roles held by Sterling and Andy Roeser, who took an indefinite leave of absence this week after serving as the team’s president. Parsons said there are no plans for him to have a deputy.
“My job is to build those two roles and provide leadership and stability to the team and to be the voice of ownership on manners that come before the NBA other than the sale of the team,” Parsons said. “In terms of sale and who owns what and who’s going to own what as we go forward, that’s still in the court of the NBA.”
The NBA has declined to comment about Shelly Sterling’s future with the team, mindful of the sensitivity surrounding the issue. She has sparked criticism because court documents accused her of denigrating African Americans, Latinos and once posing as a health inspector. Shelly was also listed in numerous housing discrimination lawsuits against Donald’s real estate properties. But Shelly’s attorney, Pierce O’Donnell, noted in a statement on Thursday that testimony came in cases that were settled, which does not admit guilt.
But with both Clippers coach Doc Rivers and the players union voicing reservation about Shelly Sterling’s involvement, there is a sense that the NBA will push to ensure that she does not retain a role with the team. Parsons conceded it’s “very hard to tell” how long this process will take.
“The league is hopeful that we can get through this transition period before the beginning of the next season,” Parsons said. “I hope they are right. But we will have to wait and see.”
In the short term, Parsons said he will handle the Clippers’ business side of the organization while both Rivers and general manager Gary Sacks will oversee the team’s basketball operations. Shortly after the NBA announced him as the Clippers’ interim CEO, Parsons reported reaching out to Rivers.
“I talked to Doc earlier in the day to make sure he understands where I’m coming from, which is he is the key element to anything and everything forward,” Parsons said. “He’s the guy I’m going to be looking to sort of hold the basketball side of the equation together. I will handle the business side of the equation. In a sense, there will be a partnership. He warmed up to that. He’s a good man by the way and has done a hell of a job.”
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