HoopsHype.com Rumors

Ilitch is founder and owner of Little Caesars Pizza. He also owns the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. He was in negotiations to purchase the Detroit Pistons, as well, before he backed out of talks. Rumors won’t go away that Gilbert is interested in buying the Indians. However, a well-placed source said the Tribe isn’t for sale. Morning Journal

Cleveland Cavaliers, Donald Sterling 

Value of the Clippers has grown 17.24 percent per year on average since Donald Sterling bought the team. HoopsHype

Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, Owners 

An autopsy has been conducted on the body of Scott Ashley Sterling, son of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Los Angeles County chief coroner’s investigator Craig Harvey says the examination was completed Thursday but the cause of death has been deferred for toxicology testing. The body of the 32-year-old was found late Tuesday at his home in a beachfront apartment building Malibu. Washington Times

Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling, Scott Ashley Sterling 

The following statement was released today on behalf of the family of Donald T. and Shelly Sterling: “Our son Scott has fought a long and valiant battle against Type 1 Diabetes. His death is a terrible tragedy, the effects of which will be felt forever by our family and all those who knew and loved him. We sincerely appreciate the warm outpouring of sympathy and support from so many of our dear friends. At this time, we respectfully ask to be afforded the opportunity to mourn this loss in an appropriately private manner.” Sulia

Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling 

Metta World Peace: RIP Scott Sterling... So sorry to hear the news Mr.Sterling.. Twitter @MettaWorldPeace

Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Donald Sterling, Metta World Peace 

Homicide detectives are at a Malibu home Wednesday morning after the discovery of a deceased male identified as 32-year-old Scott Sterling. Sterling is the son of LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling. The home at 22600 Pacific Coast Highway (map) is owned by Donald Sterling, according to property records. A cause of death was not immediately available. The body was discovered at Mailbu Beach Villas just after midnight. NBC Los Angeles

Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling 

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. The coroner’s office said it appeared to be a drug overdose. KTLA 5

Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling 

Owner Donald Sterling made his first visit to the shared office of his players and led them all in a surreal chant of, "Hip, hip, hooray." He even grabbed the arm of coach Vinny Del Negro and raised it triumphantly into the air, forgetting for a moment that he was on the wrong side of a $17.3 million verdict this week, and yelling, "How about the coach? Can we hear it for the coach?!" At this rate, the next time their hands join forces will be to sign a Del Negro extension that he seems more deserving of with every passing day. USA Today

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Donald Sterling 

An actress who said she lost most of her personal belongings and perhaps her ability to continue her career as a result of a fire in a West Hollywood apartment building owned by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was awarded $2.3 million in damages Monday. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury, which started deliberating late Thursday afternoon, found Sterling liable for breach of contract, breach of the warranty of habitability and intentional infliction of emotional distress. West Hollywood Patch

Los Angeles Clippers, Law, Donald Sterling 

In her final argument Thursday, Yoon said the 79-year-old real estate mogul—who owns 130 buildings and 7,000 units in Southern California—has never taken responsibility for not having a fully functioning fire detection system at the time of the Sept. 28, 2009, blaze. "Mr. Sterling sought to blame anyone but himself," Yoon said. She played a video deposition in which the billionaire, when asked about the deficiencies, replied, "So what?" West Hollywood Patch

Los Angeles Clippers, Law, Donald Sterling 

Name to keep an eye on: Eric Miller. I keep hearing, with greater frequency from rival execs and agents, that the sharp Miller -- named at the start of the season as the Clippers' new director of basketball administration -- is being groomed for a larger role in the Clips' decision-making hierarchy. How large? Miller is the son-in-law of Clippers owner Donald Sterling and is increasingly regarded as the likely eventual successor to Sterling, who bought the franchise in 1981 before its fourth of six seasons in San Diego before relocating to Los Angeles in 1984. ESPN.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling 

Dwain Price: Asked if the #Clippers can turn the corner, #Mavs C Chris Kaman said: "If (owner Donald) Sterling sold the team they might be able to.'' Twitter @DwainPrice

Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Chris Kaman, Donald Sterling 

Here are the Lakers, going on their third coach in the time Vinny Del Negro has been here with the Clippers. "I know that," says Clippers owner Donald Sterling, stability, I guess, just something you take for granted. "We have a good coach, good staff and I love the team," says Sterling. "I feel wonderful about it." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Mike D'Antoni, Donald Sterling 

Availability issues caused a judge today to declare a mistrial in actress Robyn Cohen’s negligence case against Donald Sterling, stemming from a 2009 fire that destroyed her apartment as well as those of other tenants who lived in a West Hollywood building owned by the Clippers owner. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge William MacLaughlin granted a motion by Sterling’s attorney, Guy Gruppie, to call an end to the trial just as opening statements were about to begin. Beverly Hills Courier

Los Angeles Clippers, Law, Donald Sterling 

Gruppie said Sterling would be unable to be present for several days because his wife, Rochelle, hurt a knee while the team was recently in China during the exhibition season and the couple was still in that country while she recuperates. Melissa Yoon, one of Cohen’s attorneys, told the judge her client reluctantly agreed not to oppose the mistrial motion because she feared there could be a similar motion later if the case went forward and Sterling maintained his rights were impacted. However, Yoon said Cohen is “highly suspicious” about Rochelle Sterling’s knee sprain because the defense has produced no medical reports. Yoon also said the delay could cause problems with Cohen’s audition schedule. Cohen is best known for her role in Wes Anderson’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” Beverly Hills Courier

Los Angeles Clippers, Law, Donald Sterling 

On the topic of his contract, Del Negro -- who had his team option for this season exercised in late May and is now on an expiring deal for the second straight year -- indicated that he feels strong support from owner Donald Sterling based on recent conversations. "I don't talk about things that myself and Mr. Sterling talk about, and we've had discussions on things, but obviously I know what's going on [with his status] and the conversations we're having," Del Negro told SI.com. "So I don't really worry about it. I go about my work and do what I can to make sure this team is successful and this organization is as successful as possible and put us in a scenario to be able to improve. I feel we've done that." SI.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Donald Sterling 

Asked if he had discussed a new deal with Sterling recently, Del Negro said, "Me and Mr. Sterling talk all the time, but like I said I'll leave that between him and myself. There's no timetable on anything. My focus is, I'm going to go upstairs, I'm going to watch practice, I'm going to prepare for tomorrow with the coaches and keep focusing on the ultimate goal, and that's to be ready opening night." SI.com

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Donald Sterling 

Vinny Del Negro on Donald Sterling: “He definitely cares, I can tell you that. He lets you do your job but he’s going to voice his opinion at times. Since I’ve been there he has been very supportive to me. Obviously we have gone out and we have spent a lot more money to recruit players, to get players to build the right team, the right foundation and the biggest thing there was when I came in was to change the culture. In order to do that you have to get the right players and you have to win. He gives us the resources where we were able to do that. Are we a finished product? Of course not. This was the first year of the project and we have a lot more work to do but he’s been very supportive, he has given us the resources which is all you can ask for and he will voice his opinion when he’s not happy with this which is his right because he’s the owner. He will also support you in terms of when things aren’t going as well and I appreciated that during the season when he came out and was very supportive of me. All those things matter." Sports Radio Interviews

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Donald Sterling 

Vinny Del Negro on Donald Sterling: "He wants to do everything right, we’re selling out our building, our ratings are off the charts, we have a lot of positive momentum and we just want to build on it and do the right things. Want to make him as proud as possible and obviously with the history they have, this is unchartered water for them a little bit and we just have to kind of weather the storm as we go through it.” Sports Radio Interviews

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Donald Sterling 

Clippers owner Donald Sterling said before the team's Monday night game against the New Orleans Hornets that he hasn't given any thought to making a coaching change. And he sees no reason why Vinny Del Negro won't be the team's coach for the remainder of the season. "I like him," said Sterling. "I usually follow the advice of my people, and I think they care for him, like him and want him to succeed. And I think he will." Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro, Coaching, Donald Sterling