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Donald Sterling scandal: NBA to appoint CEO to oversee Clippers' operations [Daily News, Los Angeles :: ](Daily News (Los Angeles, CA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 04--The Clippers do not know who their boss will be. The reason goes beyond the uncertainty which ownership group will purchase the franchise after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver instituted a lifetime ban on Donald Sterling for making racially disparaging comments on an audio tape. The NBA also announced Saturday it will appoint a chief executive officer to supervise the team's operations. As if the Clippers needed another distraction before Game 7 of their first-round series against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center. "We have to talk about everything else, so let's just talk about that too," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "The NBA has to do its job. They have a lot on their plate as well. I don't think it's something they can wait on. They're going to do their job." The owners' advisory/finance committee, made up of 10 owners, including Lakers president Jeanie Buss, decided Thursday via conference call to remove Sterling. Neither that process or who the NBA will appoint as CEO in conjunction with Clippers management has a clear timetable. Whoever the NBA appoints as a CEO will have ultimate authority both over Clippers president Andy Roeser and Rivers, according to a league source. Roeser oversees the Clippers' day-to-day operations, while Rivers runs basketball operations. The Clippers are currently unaware of what the next steps will entail. "The best way to ensure the stability of the team during this difficult situation is to move quickly and install a CEO to oversee the Clippers organization," NBA spokesman Mike Bass said. "The process of identifying that individual is underway." NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum was in Los Angeles for Game 7 and is believed to have the responsibility to interview Clippers employees during the transition process. "I spoke with Commissioner Adam Silver this week to tell him that I fully supported his recent swift and decisive action," Clippers co-owner Shelly Sterling said in a statement. "We also agreed at that time that, as a next step, both the league and the team should work together to find some fresh, accomplished executive leadership for the Clippers. I welcome his active involvement in the search for a person of the utmost character, proven excellence and a commitment to promoting equality and inclusiveness." Telling her story After repeatedly questioning Donald Sterling why he made racist remarks on an audio tape, V. Stiviano appeared on Barbara Walters' 20/20 in an interview that aired Friday night defending the Clippers' embattled owner. "Mr. Sterling is from a different generation than I am," said the 31-year-old Stiviano, who insisted her recorded conversation was leaked through a third party. "I think he was brought up to believe these things ... segregation, whites and blacks. But through his actions he's shown that he's not a racist. He's shown to be a very generous and kind man." Sterling expressed irritation that Stiviano posted a picture of herself with Magic Johnson on Instagram. Sterling also repeatedly told Stiviano not to bring black friends to Clippers games. Stiviano has resisted all interviews ever since TMZ and Deadspin released tapes of Sterling's remarks. Stiviano said Sterling should "absolutely" apologize and expressed uncertainty he will. But she maintained affection for Sterling, likening him to a father. Stiviano also denied she is in a romantic relationship with Sterling and described herself as one of his assistants. "I think he feels very alone, not truly supported by those around him," Stiviano said. "Tormented, emotionally traumatized." ___ (c)2014 the Daily News (Los Angeles) Visit the Daily News (Los Angeles) at www.dailynews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |