Stern sees Sterling saga ending well, lauds Silver

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2010, file photo, Shelly Sterling sits with her husband, Donald Sterling, during the Los Angeles Clippers' NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons in Los Angeles. Only final arguments and a ruling remain in the trial to determine whether Sterling's estranged wife can sell the Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion. Lawyers for Sterling plan to argue Monday, July 28, 2014, that Shelly Sterling had no right to make the deal with Ballmer, even though Donald Sterling had given her written authority to pursue a sale. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

By Associated Press July 30, 2014 1 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – Former Commissioner David Stern praised the NBA’s handling of the Donald Sterling controversy and predicts it will “end well” for the league.

Stern says his successor, Adam Silver, has been “forceful” but also “demonstrated a compassionate side” in his reaction to the racist remarks that were made by the Los Angeles Clippers owner.

Silver fined Sterling $2.5 million and banned him for life after the recorded comments became public. Sterling’s wife, Shelly, later agreed to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for a record $2 billion, a transaction the league believes will close shortly even as Donald Sterling continues trying to fight in court.

Stern retired after 30 years as commissioner in February. He will be enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame next week.