Judge gives go-ahead for $2 billion sale of NBA's Clippers

The estranged wife of Los Angeles Clippers co-owner Donald Sterling can proceed with the record $2 billion sale of the NBA team despite her husband's objections, a judge ruled on Monday, in a likely coda to a case of lingering racism in American sports.

The deal Shelly Sterling struck with former Microsoft Corp CEO Steve Ballmer is permissable, according to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas. The judge also said even if Sterling, who has been banned from the NBA for racist remarks, chooses to appeal, the deal could be consummated, according to Reuters.

"She had every good reason to believe that Donald agreed to the sale of the team," said Levanas, who added that he found Donald Sterling's combative testimony at the emotionally charged nine-day trial "often evasive and inconsistent."

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