So, it may not have been an empty threat after all. If Donald Sterling somehow retains his ownership of the LA Clippers, head coach Doc Rivers will leave the organization according to interim CEO Richard Parsons. While testifying against Sterling, Parsons also said he thinks players would follow Rivers on his way out of Clipper-ville. Per the AP:
“Doc is troubled by this maybe more so than anybody else,” Parsons said about Rivers, who is black. “If Mr. Sterling continues as owner, he does not want to continue as coach.”
Parsons said he fears there would also be an exodus of key players, including team captain Chris Paul, who heads the NBA players union.
Under questioning by (Steve) Ballmer’s lawyer, Parsons said the departure of Rivers would “accelerate the death spiral” of the Clippers. […] “If Doc were to leave, that would be a disaster,” Parsons said. “Doc is the father figure, the one who leads.”
