L.A. Clippers news update has the NBA tapping Richard "Dick" Parsons as the interim CEO which means Donald Sterling's wife Shelly, who wanted to take over ownership of the team, is out of the picture.

"Dick's credentials as a proven chief executive speak for themselves and I am extremely grateful he accepted this responsibility," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said, according to the AP report.

Richard Parsons, who is black, was a former chairman of Dime Bancorp, Time Warner and Citigroup, and was also a former basketball player himself in the University of Hawaii.

When the NBA board ordered a forced buyout of Donald Sterling following his racist comments, while also imposing a fine of $2.5 million, L.A. Clippers news update swirled around his wife Shelley's intention to be named the team's new CEO.

L.A. Clippers coach Doc Rivers earlier said in a Forbes report that Shelley Sterling, who owns 50% stake in the team, taking over the team will send mixed signals to those following L.A. Clippers news updates.

"I think it would be a very difficult situation. We wouldn't know who was in charge," hinting that Donald Sterling might just be using his wife as a front and continue to control the team from the sidelines.

Richard Parsons told AP that the whole issue is bigger that Donald Sterling's racist comments, bigger than all L.A. Clippers news updates, and even bigger than the NBA.

"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," he said.

He also said that the NBA is preparing for a long fight since the Sterlings seem to have no intention of letting go of the team.

"I know the NBA would love to get this done before the next season begins, but who knows what's going to happen? It's open ended," Parsons said.