Embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, his attorney Max Blecher told TheWrap. The businessman’s estranged wife Shelly Sterling confirmed the news to Blecher.
Sterling was diagnosed by two neurologists earlier this month, TMZ reported on Friday. At the time, the NBA team owner underwent a CT and PET scan as part of the process.
The doctors concluded that the businessman may have had the disease for the past five years. He can appeal the doctors’ conclusions to the California Probate Court, the report pointed out.
Also read: Shelly Sterling Announces Clippers Deal, Acting as ‘Sole Trustee of the Sterling Family Trust ‘
Multiple media outlets, including CNN, have reported that Sterling has been declared mentally incapacitated.
There is a clause in the trust agreement that governs the family ownership of the Clippers which states if two qualified doctors determine either Donald or estranged wife Shelly shows “an inability to conduct business affairs in a reasonable and normal manner,” the individual will be stripped of control, according to media reports.
On Thursday, Steve Ballmer purchased the team for a league-record $2 billion, which Shelly Sterling signed off on.