The NBA has assigned a former Citigroup chairman and ex-Time Warner chairman and CEO as the chief executive of the Los Angeles Clippers in the wake of the Donald Sterling controversy.
On Friday, the NBA said Dick Parsons, a 66-year old who has had stints with some of the most reputable companies in the world, will be overseeing the management of the franchise. He will also represent the team at owners meeting as the league tries to kick out the controversial 80-year old who has owned the Clippers since 1981.
Parsons told the Associated Press via Yahoo Sports: ''This is an issue that's actually bigger than just the Clippers, bigger than just the NBA in my judgment. The whole world is kind of watching how, frankly, we as a country navigate our way through this crisis. So if I can help, I'm happy to try.''
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, who also serves as senior vice president of basketball operations, said the hiring of Parsons will benefit the franchise.
Parsons had met with league commissioner Adam Silver on Monday and accepted the offer three days later. He has ties with Silver going back to the time when Time Warner owned the Atlanta Hawks.
Parsons, who is black, has served as part of the economic advisory team of President Barack Obama. He has a degree from the University of Hawaii and is a lawyer having a degree from the Albany Law School.
In a statement, Silver said: "Dick's credentials as a proven chief executive speak for themselves and I am extremely grateful he accepted this responsibility."
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