Donald Sterling

ABOUT
Donald Sterling, born Donald Tokowitz on April 26, 1934, is an American attorney and businessman most widely recognized as the former owner of the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers. Sterling became a controversial figure in sports and business due to his tumultuous tenure with the Clippers and multiple legal and personal controversies, especially one involving racially insensitive remarks that led to his lifetime ban from the NBA. His tenure as the owner of the Clippers began in 1981 and ended ignominiously in 2014, when he was forced to sell the team.

BEFORE FAME
Sterling was born to Jewish immigrants in Chicago and raised in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles. He attended Roosevelt High School and later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Los Angeles. He went on to obtain a law degree from Southwestern Law School. Before acquiring fame in the NBA world, Sterling made a name for himself in Los Angeles as a successful real estate attorney and developer, amassing significant wealth through his investments in property.

TRIVIA

• Sterling bought the Los Angeles Clippers for $12.5 million in 1981. In 2014, the team was sold to Steve Ballmer for $2 billion, netting Sterling an immense return on investment.
• During his ownership, the Clippers had a reputation for being one of the worst-performing teams in the league, although the team's fortunes began to improve in the last few years of his ownership.
• Known for his flashy lifestyle, Sterling often made headlines for his elaborate parties and off-court controversies.
• A lifetime NBA ban was placed on Sterling in 2014 after recordings of him making racially insensitive remarks were made public.

FAMILY LIFE
Donald Sterling has been married to Rochelle ("Shelly") Sterling since 1955, and the couple has three children: Scott, Chris, and Joanna. His personal life has been tumultuous, reflecting the controversies that plagued his professional career. In particular, his marriage faced public scrutiny following his scandalous relationships and legal battles, including a high-profile court case involving his mistress, V. Stiviano, who was central to the scandal leading to his NBA ban.

ASSOCIATED WITH
Sterling's ownership of the Clippers brought him into close association with numerous NBA personalities, including players, coaches, and league officials. He has had a particularly contentious relationship with former NBA commissioner David Stern and current commissioner Adam Silver, the latter playing a key role in Sterling’s removal from the league. He is also notoriously linked with V. Stiviano, whose released recordings of Sterling's racist comments sparked the scandal that led to his lifetime ban from the NBA.

In summary, Donald Sterling's legacy in the NBA is marked both by his lengthy ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers and the ignominious downfall that ended it. His significant impact on the business and sports worlds remains overshadowed by controversy and scandal.