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CP28530542 — FILE - In this Dec. 19, 2011 file photo, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling watches the Clippers play the Los Angeles Lakers during an NBA preseason basketball game in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling responded to the NBA\'s attempt to oust him on Tuesday, May 27, 2014, arguing that there is no basis for stripping him of his team because his racist statements were illegally recorded "during an inflamed lovers\' quarrel in which he was clearly distraught." (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, File)

Donald Sterling responds to NBA, which still plans June 3 hearing to consider his ownership

May 27 2014 12:27 PM

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Donald Sterling is arguing that the NBA has no right to take the Los Angeles Clippers away from him in his response to the league, even as his estranged wife says he has authorized her to sell the franchise.

In his response to the league, obtained and posted by USA Today, Sterling says the racist remarks that were recorded and released, leading Commissioner Adam Silver to ban him for life, were made during a private conversation and can’t be used against him.

The NBA says it received the response Tuesday and is still planning a June 3 hearing at which owners could vote to terminate Sterling’s ownership.

Meanwhile, the attorney for Shelly Sterling confirmed that Donald Sterling has given her written permission to sell the team.

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