Donald Sterling sues NBA in federal court for $1B
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Clippers co-owner Donald Sterling has filed suit in federal court against the NBA and Commissioner Adam Silver and is asking for damages in excess of $1 billion.
The suit was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. It alleges that the league violated Sterling's constitutional rights by relying on information from an "illegal" recording that publicized racist remarks he made to a girlfriend.
It also says the league committed a breach of contract by fining Sterling $2.5 million and violated antitrust laws by forcing a sale.
On Friday, the NBA called off a hearing to oust Sterling in advance of a vote on a potentially record-breaking deal negotiated by his wife to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion.