Donald Sterling is like the knight in Monty Python that can't die even though you hacked off all his limbs. Having just lost a preliminary ruling to block the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers, new owner should be able to take over once the paperwork has been processed. But it's not a sunset ending just yet. Sterling can still appeal even though the courts have approved the sale. But, for all intents and purposes, it looks like the transaction will ultimately be made.
The justice system doesn't work like it does in the movies and TV. It's not over in an hour. It takes weeks, months or years sometimes to wade through the sludge and minutiae of the law. Donald Sterling, a seasoned litigator, has tried to use that to his advantage, using every legal trick in the book to prolong this ugly story.
Shelly, Donald's wife, is a national heroine. She has done everything in her power to resolve the matter with a rare win/win solution which could have saved face for the Sterlings if battered old Donny hadn't decided to wage a vendetta against NBA Commissioner Adam Silver (via NBC News):
"'I just tried to do the best thing for our family and for everybody else,' an elated Shelly Sterling told NBC News outside the courthouse. 'It's been very tough...and [Donald] and I do have love for each other and I hope it will all work out between us and everything will be good.'"
Even though Sterling has a legal move or two, the courts seem to believe that Shelly was legitimately empowered to make the sale (via USA Today):
"'We are pleased that the court has affirmed Shelly Sterling's right to sell the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer,' said Mike Bass, the NBA executive vice president, communications. 'We look forward to the transaction closing as soon as possible.'"
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