Rochelle Stein, married to billionaire Donald Sterling, has been his wife and business partner for nearly 70 years. The couple wed in 1955 and together built a substantial real estate fortune. Rochelle, known for her astute business acumen, co-owned the LA Clippers with her husband until 2014, when a scandal led to the forced sale of the team.
What Was Rochelle’s Role with the LA Clippers?
Rochelle Stein played a significant role in managing the LA Clippers alongside Donald Sterling. Their collaboration helped the Clippers become a notable team in the NBA. However, their ownership ended abruptly in 2014 after a recording of Donald Sterling making racist remarks surfaced. This incident led to Sterling’s lifetime ban from the NBA and the sale of the Clippers to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion.
How Did the Scandal Unfold?
The scandal began when Donald Sterling’s companion, V. Stiviano, recorded him making racist comments about her attending Clippers games with African-American men. The recording, which captured Sterling admonishing Stiviano for bringing her black friends to games, caused a public uproar. The backlash resulted in Sterling being fined $2.5 million and banned from the NBA for life. Despite the severity of the punishment, Sterling later tried to downplay his remarks as jealousy over seeing younger men with his paramour.
How Did Rochelle React to the Ban?
Despite the controversy, Rochelle Sterling remained a dedicated Clippers fan. She acquired two courtside seats and ten additional seats elsewhere in the arena after her husband was banned. Known for her deep knowledge of the game, Rochelle continued to attend Clippers games regularly. In 2017, she and her lawyer fought to have Donald’s lifetime ban lifted, arguing that the punishment was too severe. As of June 2024, the ban remains in place.
What Was Donald’s Response to the Ban?
Initially, Donald Sterling referred to the NBA as “a band of hypocrites and bullies” following the forced sale of the Clippers. However, by May 2017, he seemed to have come to terms with the situation, expressing contentment with his life and a desire not to disturb his newfound peace. This shift in attitude marked a significant change from his earlier stance.
Did Donald and Rochelle Divorce?
Donald Sterling filed for divorce from Rochelle in 2015, citing irreconcilable differences. The paperwork submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court also noted that the couple had been separated since 2012. However, by March 2016, they decided to call off the divorce. According to Donald’s attorney, Bobby Samini, the Sterlings had resolved their differences despite the challenges of the previous two years.
How Many Children Do Donald and Rochelle Have?
Donald and Rochelle Sterling have three children: daughter Joanna Sterling Miller, son Chris Sterling, and son Scott Sterling. Tragically, their son Scott died of a drug overdose at the age of 32 in December 2012. The overdose occurred after Scott injected narcotics that were meant to be taken orally.
What is “Clipped” and How Can You Watch It?
“Clipped” is an FX miniseries that delves into the scandals surrounding the LA Clippers, focusing particularly on Donald Sterling’s racist remarks. Based on the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast “The Sterling Affairs,” the six-episode series provides an in-depth look at the turmoil within the Clippers organization and the impact of the scandal on those involved. The show premiered on Hulu on June 4, 2024, with the first two episodes available for streaming. The subsequent episodes will be released weekly, with the third and fourth episodes airing on June 11 and June 18, respectively, and the fifth and sixth episodes on June 25 and July 2, 2024.
What Can Viewers Expect from “Clipped”?
“Clipped” offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the fallout from Donald Sterling’s racist remarks, highlighting the dysfunction within the Clippers organization and Sterling’s troubled marriage. The series portrays the events leading up to the scandal, the media frenzy that followed, and the personal and professional repercussions for those involved. By examining the intersection of sports, business, and personal relationships, “Clipped” provides a comprehensive view of one of the NBA’s most notorious controversies.
What Legacy Did Rochelle and Donald Sterling Leave?
Despite the controversy, Rochelle and Donald Sterling’s legacy in the business world remains significant. Together, they built a real estate empire and played a crucial role in the LA Clippers’ history. Rochelle’s continued involvement with the Clippers and her fight to lift Donald’s ban demonstrate her unwavering dedication to the team and the sport. Their story serves as a reminder of the complexities of personal and professional relationships and the impact of public scandals on private lives.
Conclusion
Rochelle Stein’s nearly seven-decade-long marriage to Donald Sterling is marked by both their business achievements and the scandal that led to the sale of the LA Clippers. Her role as a business partner and devoted fan of the Clippers highlights her significant influence behind the scenes. The miniseries “Clipped” brings to light the intricate dynamics of their relationship and the broader implications of the controversy, offering a detailed portrayal of one of the most dramatic events in NBA history. Through it all, Rochelle’s resilience and dedication to the Clippers stand out, illustrating her commitment to the sport and the team she loves.