The uncertainty over the future of the Los Angeles Clippers appears to have ended as multiple media outlets reported Wednesday afternoon that owner Donald Sterling has agreed to drop his lawsuit against the NBA to stop the sale of the team. The development follows less than a week after the L.A. billionaire’s wife, Shelly Sterling, inked a deal to sell the Clippers to former Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer for $2 billion. Sterling sued the league last week on grounds that the NBA was violating his constitutional rights by acting on racist remarks he made in private – and recorded without his knowledge – to wrest away control of the team. “Donald Sterling officially announces today, the NBA and Donald Sterling and Shelly Sterling have agreed to sell the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer for $2 billion and various additional benefits,” Sterling attorney Bobby Samini said in a statement issued to USA TODAY Sports. “All disputes and outstanding issues have been resolved.” The sale to Ballmer must still get approval from the league, which is expected to take place this summer. The drama started about a month ago when Sterling was recorded telling his mistress, V. Stiviano, that he didn’t want her bringing black people to games. The NBA responded by banning the owner for life, fining him $2.5 million and pushing Sterling to sell the team. Sterling’s wife then negotiated the sale to Ballmer with the consent of Sterling, who later changed his mind and decided to start legal action – before agreeing to the sale on Wednesday.
