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NBA Appoints Richard Parsons CEO Of The Clippers

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The NBA Friday named former Time Warner CEO and former Citigroup chairman Dick Parsons as the new interim CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Parsons will assume the role effective immediately and will supervise the team's operations in the wake of the Donald Sterling scandal, the league said.

"I think it's a very good hire for us," said Doc Rivers, Clippers coach and Senior VP of Basketball Operations.  "They've [NBA] done a great job. I trust the league in this so well. They're smarter than me in this. I don't have a lot to say, to be honest, and it's because I don't think I should have a lot to say in it."

Parsons is currently a senior advisor at Providence Equity Partners and sits on the board of directors for the Commission on Presidential Debates.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: CLIPPERS OWNER CONTROVERSY

"I believe the hiring of Dick Parsons will bring extraordinary leadership and immediate stability to the Clippers organization," said Commissioner Adam Silver. "Dick's credentials as a proven chief executive speak for themselves and I am extremely grateful he accepted this responsibility."

"Like most Americans, I have been deeply troubled by the pain the Clippers' team, fans and partners have endured," said Parsons. "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. The Clippers are a resilient organization with a brilliant coach and equally talented and dedicated athletes and staff who have demonstrated great strength of character during a time of adversity. I am honored to be asked to work with them, build on their values and accomplishments, and help them open a new, inspiring era for their team."

On Tuesday, Clippers President Andy Roeser was placed on an indefinite leave of absence.

Shelly Sterling, wife of the embattled Clippers owner Donald Sterling, said in a statement "I conferred with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver this morning and endorsed the league's choice of Richard Parsons as interim Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Clippers. Mr. Parsons has impressive management credentials in the important fields of the media, finance and professional sports. He is an ideal choice to run the franchise until the ownership issues are clarified."

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