Donald Sterling's removal as owner of the L.A. Clippers is still being handled, but i the meantime, the show must go on. In Sterling's stead, Commissioner Adam Silver named former Time Warner CEO and former Citibank chairman Dick Parsons as the interim CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers.
It's telling that Silver appointed an African-American executive to run the franchise after Sterling's racially charged recorded comments ignited shook up the league and nearly sparked a player boycott during the first round of the NBA playoffs. In addition to currently serving as senior advisor at Providence Equity Partners and sitting on the board for Commission on Presidential Debates, Parsons was also a former basketball player at the University of Hawaii during the 1960s.
Via Target Market News:
"I believe the hiring of Dick Parsons will bring extraordinary leadership and immediate stability to the Clippers organization," said Silver. "Dick's credentials as a proven chief executive speak for themselves and I am extremely grateful he accepted this responsibility."
"Like most Americans, I have been deeply troubled by the pain the Clippers' team, fans and partners have endured," said Parsons. "A lifelong fan of the NBA, I am firmly committed to the values and principles it is defending, and I completely support Adam's leadership in navigating the challenges facing the team and the league. The Clippers are a resilient organization with a brilliant coach and equally talented and dedicated athletes and staff who have demonstrated great strength of character during a time of adversity. I am honored to be asked to work with them, build on their values and accomplishments, and help them open a new, inspiring era for their team."
