Rivers to quit Clippers if Sterling stays, says CEO

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Clippers interim CEO Richard Parsons says coach Doc Rivers has told him he'll quit if Donald Sterling remains owner of the team.

Parsons made the statement while testifying Tuesday in a trial to determine whether Sterling's wife Shelly Sterling can sell the team for $2 billion to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

Doc is "troubled by this maybe more so than anybody else," Parsons said. "If Mr. Sterling continues as owner, he does not want to continue as coach."

The NBA has sought to force out Sterling since soon after racist statements emerged on recordings in April.

Rivers, who is black, has said he had heard from other Clippers business employees that they didn't think they would be able to work for Sterling under the circumstances.