[ShortcutToMoncton]

Steve Ballmer for $2 billion. Boom.

[ebuddy]

Sterling made out like friggin' gangbusters. He may not have wanted to sell the franchise, but at nearly 4 times the next highest offer ever made on an NBA team -- anyone, publicized bigot or otherwise would be a complete fool not to sell. Someone has unwittingly happened across an extremely lucrative model for selling a sports franchise.

The Clippers are worth $2 billion? Whodathunkit?

[Shaddim]

That article about his son's death appeared in my daily news feed, not sure why. Gremlins.

Is he (Ballmer) the "right person"? NBA hissy fit incoming? Donald can't stop it, even if he wanted to, but it begs the question; if he's mentally unfit, then what he says can't be used against the Sterling family trust, and if that's the case his wife shouldn't be forced to sell over her husband's mental/medical state, seeing as that he's not responsible for his impaired behavior. Still, ATC, she should take the money and run, all the way to the Caymans. That's insane-o amounts of green for that property.

Edit: Oh, and another thing, would you want to be a player working for Ballmer? Yikes!

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by ebuddy 

He may not have wanted to sell the franchise, but at nearly 4 times the next highest offer ever made on an NBA team -- anyone, publicized bigot or otherwise would be a complete fool not to sell.

Why? Does he need $2 billion or something?

Originally Posted by ebuddy 

Someone has unwittingly happened across an extremely lucrative model for selling a sports franchise.

Being in LA?

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Well Ballmer tried to save the Supersonics and also tried to buy the Kings recently, ostensibly to move them to Seattle. I can't imagine he would pay $2 billion and then however much else to move the team from LA - remember it doesn't have ownership rights in the arena or anything as far as I know....but I bet the spectre is going to cause some consternation at the league office.

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Why? Does he need $2 billion or something?

Does anyone? The point is, when it comes to selling things, accepting crazy-high bids is generally a wise investment decision.

Being in LA?

Short list of any LA Teams (or anywhere else for that matter)coming even remotely close to this deal?

Any more questions?

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by ebuddy 

Does anyone? The point is, when it comes to selling things, accepting crazy-high bids is generally a wise investment decision.

Yes, that's why people buy NBA teams. Because they're wise investment decisions.

Originally Posted by ebuddy 

Short list of any LA Teams (or anywhere else for that matter)coming even remotely close to this deal?

LA Dodgers, $2 billion.

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

Yes, that's why people buy NBA teams. Because they're wise investment decisions.

He didn't buy it as an investment opportunity, he wanted to keep the team. Much like someone who is not interested in selling their $150k home getting approached with a million dollar offer... you take it. That was my point.

LA Dodgers, $2 billion.

I stand corrected on this. I was not aware that the Dodgers had sold in 2012 for $2b as that nearly doubles the next highest price paid for any sport franchise in US History, let alone an NBA team. I hope it proves worthwhile to Ballmer.

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Hence, "being in LA".

On the other hand, the Milkwaukee Bucks sold for $550 million recently...well above and beyond conventional Forbes-esque valuations. We're talking the worst team in the league, mired in mediocrity, in Milwaukee. The Clippers are in LA, have young stars, and are regarded as championship contenders. Starting at $1 billion and going from there was a forgone conclusion.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by ebuddy 

Much like someone who is not interested in selling their $150k home getting approached with a million dollar offer... you take it. That was my point.

...except that home hasn't been valued 150K for a long time.

...and if the goal is to own that specific home, you don't take it. Particularly if the money is superfluous.

Originally Posted by ebuddy 

I stand corrected on this. I was not aware that the Dodgers had sold in 2012 for $2b as that nearly doubles the next highest price paid for any sport franchise in US History, let alone an NBA team. I hope it proves worthwhile to Ballmer.

I'm not sure if this is correct, but I read Ballmer is going in solo, which is unheard of. That means he's footing the $2 B himself. Seems even more strange for a team he won't/can't move.

[subego]

Wasn't Sterling not supposed to move the Clippers?

[Shaddim]

Money doesn't mean much if it's something that you seriously want/desire. Supposed street values be damned. I wanted a specific car, only a little over 100 were made and it has the most overinflated seller's market in collector cars, short of pedigree 50s racers. Sellers can ask what they want, and if you don't pony-up fast (as in "right now") there are 20 people behind you with their checkbooks out. Pro sport franchises are much the same, just on an even larger scale.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by subego 

Wasn't Sterling not supposed to move the Clippers?

I don't recall it being a factor. I don't think it's a binding stipulation for any franchise. If you don't want it moved, find the right owner. (Clay Bennet, I hope you burn in hell)

Originally Posted by Shaddim 

Money doesn't mean much if it's something that you seriously want/desire. Supposed street values be damned. I wanted a specific car, only a little over 100 were made and it has the most overinflated seller's market in collector cars, short of pedigree 50s racers. Sellers can ask what they want, and if you don't pony-up fast (as in "right now") there are 20 people behind you with their checkbooks out. Pro sport franchises are much the same, just on an even larger scale.

Thank you, someone understands what I'm saying.

[OAW]

Originally Posted by ebuddy 

Sterling made out like friggin' gangbusters. He may not have wanted to sell the franchise, but at nearly 4 times the next highest offer ever made on an NBA team -- anyone, publicized bigot or otherwise would be a complete fool not to sell. Someone has unwittingly happened across an extremely lucrative model for selling a sports franchise.

The Clippers are worth $2 billion? Whodathunkit?

This!

OAW

[subego]

Originally Posted by The Final Dakar 

I don't recall it being a factor. I don't think it's a binding stipulation for any franchise. If you don't want it moved, find the right owner. (Clay Bennet, I hope you burn in hell)

Not in the purchase, but later. From the wiki:

"In 1984, Sterling moved the Clippers from San Diego to Los Angeles. However, the move was not approved by the NBA, which fined him $25 million. He sued the league for $100 million, but dropped the suit when the league agreed to decrease the fine to $6 million."

[The Final Dakar]

Oh, I think that's more about acting without permission.

[subego]

LA Clippys is funny.

[subego]

Also funny is "ask yourself in 1998: Dre and Ballmer... which one becomes an Apple exec, which one buys the Clippers".

[OAW]

I'm starting to think Sterling just might have a screw loose. This fool is about to make the windfall of windfalls and he's still clowning.

Donald Sterling to Sue NBA for $1 Billion - NBC News

OAW

[Jawbone54]

Sterling didn't want to sell the Clippers. He didn't need money, and he certainly doesn't need it now that he's probably in the last decade of his life. He loved the Clippers because it gave him something to do, a place to be seen, and a public platform that his business alone would never provide. He's a huge personality with a ridiculous ego, and owning the Clippers fed that.

If Ballmer would have presented him with a $2 billion bid a year ago, he still would have turned him down.

[subego]

Buying a stable of poor black kids is complicated in the 21st century. Money alone doesn't cut it any more.

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by subego 

Also funny is "ask yourself in 1998: Dre and Ballmer... which one becomes an Apple exec, which one buys the Clippers".

[The Final Dakar]

Donald Sterling accused of racist, sexist remarks in new lawsuit - Los Angeles Times

[subego]

I find it quaint that as racist as this guy supposedly is, no one's claimed to have heard him use epithets.

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by subego 

I find it quaint that as racist as this guy supposedly is, no one's claimed to have heard him use epithets.

Hell, you said you're a little racist -- why are epithets important here? I'd say he's demonstrated a much greater degree of racial animus than you. Unless I've missed something.

[subego]

I'm not sure I understand why it's unreasonable to imagine someone more racist than myself using racial epithets.

Even as a not hugely racist person, I've certainly thought them, and needed a self-actualized "WTF is wrong with you?" afterwards.

[OAW]

Come on guys this is 2014. We all know that no one is really "racist" anymore no matter how blatant. Except those who dare say anything about it.

Racist Woman Repeatedly Calls Man an N-Word in Front of Kids, Is Confused Why He Is Record | Complex

OAW

[OAW]

Breaking news on CNN ...

L.A. Clippers co-owner Donald Sterling has agreed to the sale of the team to Steve Ballmer, Sterling's lawyer tells CNN's Brian Todd.

It would appear the man has come to his senses.

OAW

[abbaZaba]

$2 Billion will do that to a person

[Shaddim]

It isn't the money, he's tired of fighting. Unless you're a captain of industry, using your money to "move mountains", after a certain point it doesn't matter very much. (That point is well into 9 figures on the top end of the curve, so it's not a phenomenon most encounter.)

[OAW]

Originally Posted by abbaZaba 

$2 Billion will do that to a person

You think?

OAW

[ebuddy]

Originally Posted by subego 

Even as a not hugely racist person, I've certainly thought them, and needed a self-actualized "WTF is wrong with you?" afterwards.

That would be what I was missing.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by Shaddim 

It isn't the money, he's tired of fighting.

Yeah, that two weeks of "nuh-uh" really takes it toll on an 80 year old man.

[The Final Dakar]

Donald Sterling Withdraws Support For $2 Billion Deal, Plans To Sue NBA

lololololol

[ShortcutToMoncton]

"He's just tired of fighting"


This guy's been an ass to everyone his entire life....not gonna stop now

[sek929]

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton 

"He's just tired of fighting"


This guy's been an ass to everyone his entire life....not gonna stop now

He made his fortune through litigation. He's a scumbag "sue anyone I can" type and a racist asshole. I've also noticed support for his side of the story has dropped off a cliff around here as well.

[subego]

Really, does he have anything to lose at this point?

If I had that kind of money I would totally use it to **** over the NBA.

He's gonna win too. You heard it here first.

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Why do you think he will win?

[The Final Dakar]

Isn't him dying or settling far more likely?

[The Final Dakar]

"Who's the real bad guy here?"

[OAW]

^^^^

And this my friends is what we call the classic "flip mode" maneuver. Let Sterling tell it he's just standing up for Freedom, Justice, and the American Way.


OAW

[subego]

Originally Posted by ShortcutToMoncton 

Why do you think he will win?

He's willing to put in more money.

He'll literally spend a billion dollars to shove it down the NBA's throat. It's not worth it to the NBA to fight that.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by OAW 

the classic "flip mode" maneuver.

[Shaddim]

Originally Posted by subego 

He's willing to put in more money.

He'll literally spend a billion dollars to shove it down the NBA's throat. It's not worth it to the NBA to fight that.

Also they're using illegally obtained evidence, in Ca. you can't be recorded in that manner without your consent or a warrant. If it hits arbitration the recording that started all this will likely get thrown out.

[subego]

I don't think the NBA realized what they were doing was bribing Sterling to lay off and bury this already.

After it's buried, you don't dig it out and give it a few more punches.

I'm going to guess the NBA is set up in such a way it's the owners consent which gives the commission authority. You put this in an actual courtroom, the NBA doesn't have a leg to stand on.

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Originally Posted by Shaddim 

Also they're using illegally obtained evidence, in Ca. you can't be recorded in that manner without your consent or a warrant. If it hits arbitration the recording that started all this will likely get thrown out.

What does that have to do with the owners' ability to force a sale because of conduct detrimental to the NBA? Are you saying that evidence rules of court in the state have to be followed by the NBA in order to take the actions contemplated by its charter?

Originally Posted by subego 

I don't think the NBA realized what they were doing was bribing Sterling to lay off and bury this already.

After it's buried, you don't dig it out and give it a few more punches.

Sorry I'm not following you - how was the NBA bribing Sterling? It fined him the maximum allowable amount and forced a sale of his team.

I'm going to guess the NBA is set up in such a way it's the owners consent which gives the commission authority. You put this in an actual courtroom, the NBA doesn't have a leg to stand on.

I'm probably missing something again, but I'm not sure how the first sentence relates to the second. What commission? And why would the owners' consent for it matter in a courtroom?

[subego]

Point the first: the bribe is to make him disappear. The components of the bribe were dropping the fine, dropping the ban, and putting a ridiculous offer for a shit team on the table.

Point the second: I'm saying the way the NBA is structured, and the commission which runs it, only exist because the owners don't rock the boat. If one of them starts (like by putting all these contracts under the scrutiny of a judge), shit gonna tip over.

To put it another way, the NBA is a racket, and it's usually bad policy to get judges peering to closely at that sort of thing. The only person who wants this taken to court is Sterling, because he has nothing to lose.

[The Final Dakar]

Originally Posted by subego 

Point the first: the bribe is to make him disappear. The components of the bribe were dropping the fine, dropping the ban,

This didn't happen. I think it's cited in the article about the lawsuit that he restarted it specifically because that didn't happen. There was no bribe.

(Link me up if I missed something on that)

[ShortcutToMoncton]

Originally Posted by subego 

Point the first: the bribe is to make him disappear. The components of the bribe were dropping the fine, dropping the ban, and putting a ridiculous offer for a shit team on the table.

1. I didn't see that dropping the fine or the ban was ever "offered" to Sterling. But if it was done in exchange for compliance with a sale, instead of the NBA having to actually go ahead and take the necessary steps (which I am sure are complex)...that is more a concession of convenience more than anything else, no?

2. As far as I am aware, the NBA had nothing to do with the ridiculous offer. The NBA threatened to force the sale, so various offers were made to the Sterlings and this one was so ridiculous that they accepted it.

3. How can you possibly say that the Clippers are a shit team? They have been a shit team in the past, but are currently legitimate championship contenders with a solid core of NBA stars, playing in one of the NBA's largest markets. They would have to be considered one of the better teams in the NBA from both a player personnel and brand value standpoint.

Point the second: I'm saying the way the NBA is structured, and the commission which runs it, only exist because the owners don't rock the boat. If one of them starts (like by putting all these contracts under the scrutiny of a judge), shit gonna tip over.

Errrrr...I have no idea where you're getting this or what you're basing it on. The NBA is an organization with franchised members (teams). It has a legal structure, constitution, governing rules, etc.

Why do you think all of this suddenly collapses if one owner starts acting out? Wouldn't a far more logical answer be that there is a mechanism to kick said owner out of the organization?

To put it another way, the NBA is a racket, and it's usually bad policy to get judges peering to closely at that sort of thing. The only person who wants this taken to court is Sterling, because he has nothing to lose.

This seems almost like saying "Apple is a racket". Look, NBA teams have been bought and sold for hundreds of millions of dollars as recently as last year. If the entire structure could fall apart by something as simple as an owners' lawsuit, don't you think the army of lawyers that would have effected those transactions might have picked up on such a fatal flaw and pointed it out before now?

Again, maybe you're right, but at face value it seems surprisingly tinfoil hat-ish. Wouldn't a much more logical and simpler explanation be that the organization has been set up with some mechanism to force the sale of a team by a particular owner who everyone agrees is causing some identifiable harm to all the other owners?

[subego]

The reason no one has acted up is because it's a golden goose. Everybody involved up until now has been happy with the situation.

This ridiculous offer wouldn't have come down the pipe if Sterling didn't have some serious leverage on his side. The NBA would have used the legal structure you spoke of and hung him out to dry with it.

But no. We'd feel better if the pariah walked away with two billion dollars.