NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Friday that former Time Warner chairman and chief executive officer Dick Parsons has been named interim CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers, effective immediately.
Silver made the decision to install a CEO to oversee the Clippers organization just days after banning owner Donald Sterling from the NBA for life following Sterling's racially charged remarks in an audio tape.
"I believe the hiring of Dick Parsons will bring extraordinary leadership and immediate stability to the Clippers organization," Silver said in a statement. "Dick's credentials as a proven chief executive speak for themselves and I am extremely grateful he accepted this responsibility."
Parsons is currently a senior advisor at Providence Equity Partners and sits on the board of directors for the Commission on Presidential Debates. His extensive list of accomplishments also includes having served as a member of President Barack Obama's economic advisory team.
"Like most Americans, I have been deeply troubled by the pain the Clippers' team, fans and partners have endured," Parsons said. "A lifelong fan of the NBA, I am firmly committed to the values and principles it is defending, and I completely support Adam's leadership in navigating the challenges facing the team and the league."
Clippers president Andy Roeser had been in charge of the team following Sterling's forced exile, but the longtime confidant of Sterling took an indefinite leave of absence Tuesday, clearing another path to the NBA's plan to take temporary control of the team.
Since handing down the punishment to Sterling, which also included a $2.5 million fine, Silver has been adamant about forcing Sterling to sell the Clippers and emphatically declared during his press conference announcing the punishment that he will be able to obtain the necessary votes to oust him.
As for business on the court, the Clippers host the Oklahoma City Thunder Friday with their Western Conference semifinal series tied at 1-1.
[SportsNetwork.com]
