Who is Donald Sterling? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Donald T. Sterling, Donald Tokowitz

Age: 90 Years, 90 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Shelly Sterling (m. 1955)

father: Mickey Tokowitz

mother: Susan Tokowitz

children: Chris Sterling, Joanna Sterling, Scott Sterling

Born Country: United States

CEOs American Men

City: Chicago, Illinois

Notable Alumni: Southwestern Law School

U.S. State: Illinois

More Facts

education: University Of California, Los Angeles, Southwestern Law School

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1

What is the Donald Sterling scandal?

The Donald Sterling scandal refers to the controversy surrounding racist comments made by the former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team in 2014.
2

Why was Donald Sterling banned from the NBA?

Donald Sterling was banned from the NBA and fined $2.5 million in 2014, after his racist remarks became public, causing widespread outrage.
3

How did Donald Sterling acquire the Los Angeles Clippers?

Donald Sterling acquired the Los Angeles Clippers in 1981 for $12.5 million, making it one of the most lucrative deals in sports history at the time.
4

What impact did the Donald Sterling scandal have on the NBA?

The Donald Sterling scandal brought issues of racism and discrimination to the forefront in the NBA, prompting the league to take a strong stance against such behavior.
5

What legal actions were taken against Donald Sterling?

Following the scandal, Donald Sterling faced a number of legal battles, including lawsuits and challenges to his ownership of the Clippers, ultimately leading to his forced sale of the team.

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Career

Donald Sterling began his career as an independently-practicing divorce and personal injury attorney. He soon ventured into real estate business, which he began with the purchase of a 26-unit apartment in Beverly Hills. In 1960, he purchased the Lesser Towers, now known as the Sterling International Towers. His other major property dealings include the lease of the California Bank Building, Beverly Hills. It was estimated that he owned 162 properties across Los Angeles by 2014.

In 1981, Donald Sterling bought the American professional basketball team San Diego Clippers (later renamed Los Angeles Clippers) for $12.5 million. Over the years, he signed in several veteran players like Elton Brand, Tim Thomas, Baron Davis and Cuttino Mobley into the franchise. In 2014, his wife Shelly arrived at an agreement for the Sterling Family Trust to sell the Los Angeles Clippers to American businessman Steve Ballmer for $2 billion.

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Controversies & Scandals

In 1996, a former employee of his, Christine Jasky, who worked for Clippers, alleged that he demanded sexual favors from her and asked her to recruit sexual partners for him. He countersued and they reached a mutual agreement in 1998. In 2014, a private recording of a conversation between Donald Sterling and his mistress V. Stiviano was leaked. In the recording, Sterling is heard making derogatory comments about black players. Following this, he was banned from the NBA for life and fined $2.5 million.

Family & Personal Life

Donald Sterling was born on 26th April 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants Mickey and Susan. He along with his family shifted to Los Angeles when he was two. He studied at Theodore Roosevelt High School and graduated in 1952. He later studied at the California State University at Los Angeles.

He graduated from the Southwestern University School of Law in 1960.Donald Sterling married Rochelle “Shelly” in 1955. The couple has three children: Scott, Chris and Joanna. His son, Scott, was found dead due to narcotic overdose at the age of 32. In 2012, the couple became estranged following family disputes, and subsequently in 2015, his attorney confirmed that Donald Sterling was filing for divorce. However, a year later, it was reported that the couple had resolved their differences and would not be proceeding with the divorce.

In 2012, he began treatment for prostate cancer. He was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease soon after. As he was deemed unfit to lead the financial affairs of the Sterling Family Trust, his wife began taking the decisions on important matters, including the sale of the Los Angeles Clippers, on his behalf.

Facts About Donald Sterling

Donald Sterling was known for his love of opera and classical music, often attending performances and supporting various arts organizations.

He was a successful real estate mogul, amassing a significant fortune through his investments in properties across Los Angeles.

Sterling was an avid collector of rare and valuable items, including art, antiques, and vintage automobiles.

He had a passion for philanthropy, donating to various charitable causes and organizations throughout his life.

Sterling was a skilled bridge player, often participating in high-level competitions and tournaments.

Donald Sterling Biography

You wanted to know

What is the Donald Sterling scandal?

Why was Donald Sterling banned from the NBA?

How did Donald Sterling acquire the Los Angeles Clippers?

What impact did the Donald Sterling scandal have on the NBA?

What legal actions were taken against Donald Sterling?