Donald Sterling refuses to pay fine

Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has sent a letter to the National Basketball Association telling the league he won’t pay his $2.5 million fine and rejecting his lifetime ban, according to multiple media reports.

Sports Illustrated and USA Today, citing unnamed sources, reported the letter also threatens the NBA with a lawsuit if Sterling’s punishment for making racist remarks, handed down by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in April, is not rescinded.

In the recording, which drew widespread condemnation from fans, players and the league after it appeared on TMZ, Sterling chastises Stiviano for posting pictures online of her posing with African-Americans, including NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

The league’s 29 other owners have taken the initial steps to force Sterling to sell the franchise he has owned for 33 years with an advisory committee meeting three times so far.

Sterling has hired Maxwell Blecher, an antitrust lawyer, to represent him with the NBA, the reports said.

According to a 1982 Washington Post article, Blecher also represented Sterling when the Clippers owner wanted to move the team from San Diego to Los Angeles.

The NBA fined the franchise $25 million when he did so in 1984, but Sterling sued until the league reduced the fine, according to multiple media reports.

Blecher reportedly argued that Sterling was being denied due process rights and he hadn’t violated the NBA constitution.

Clippers point guard Chris Paul was in no mood about Sterling after the game.