Sterling backs out of record $2 billion deal for Clippers

In a move-which some may not find surprising-Donald Sterling, owner of the NBA's Clippers franchise, has backed out of a record $2 billion deal with a former Microsoft executive to sell the team.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles based team, issued a statement on June 9, saying he is going to proceed with a $1 billion lawsuit against the National Basketball Association, accusing the league of violating his rights.

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver imposed $2.5 million fine and a lifetime ban on Sterling after recordings of racists remarks from Sterling were made public. The league also pressured Sterling and his ex-wife to sell the team.

Sterling's lawyer said he changed his mind on his estranged wife's brokered deal with Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's former chief executive officer, after he learned that Silver would not lift the ban or withdraw the fine.

The statement acknowledged that his "position may not be popular, I believe my rights to privacy and the preservation of my rights to due process should not be trampled."

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