Former L.A. Clippers owner Donald Sterling made a lot of headlines back in April of 2014, when a racist conversation between him and a female acquaintance surfaced online. He was then banned for life later that month by the NBA and he was forced to sell the Clippers to their current owner, Steve Ballmer.
Sterling’s wife, Shelly, was recently interviewed by James Rainey of NBC News, where she talked about the incident that changed the ownership of the franchise. She made it known that she does not understand why her husband had to be banned for life and that she hopes it can be lifted by the league office.
“I couldn't understand the severity of the ban. It just seemed a little bit out of line. I have talked to [the NBA] several times and I don't know what they will do. Maybe they will and maybe they won't [lift the ban]. Maybe it takes a little bit more time.”
Donald Sterling has since been away from the spotlight and is rarely seen publicly. Shelly on the other hand still watches Clippers games live as part of the sale agreement.
It remains to be seen if the ban will ultimately be lifted, but with the sensitive nature of the issue becoming such a heated conversation, it doesn't seem like it will happen anytime soon. For now, he can continue living a quiet life, which he admits he is enjoying.
“I am as happy as I have ever been. I am as comfortable as I have ever been,” he told NBC News. “And I don't want to do anything to disturb that.”