Reporters live-tweeting Donald Sterling’s denied motion to move Clippers trial to federal court was on point
By Micky Shaked
Shelly Sterling and her lawyer, Pierce O’Donnell, appear to have won another small victory in court Monday afternoon as a federal judge denied Donald Sterling’s motion to have the trial over the Los Angeles Clippers sale moved to federal court.
Shelly Sterling wins the first round and her legal team isn't hiding that fact. Plenty of smiles on that side.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 7, 2014
A bevy of reporters were on hand giving live courtroom updates.
Shelly Sterling is here, no sign of Donald. Will we have a trial today? pic.twitter.com/Zqh6S4IjzL
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 7, 2014
While waiting for Sterling case to heard, judge hears probate case that's been going on since 1999...Sterling case truly fast tracked
— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) July 7, 2014
Attorneys for Shelly have issued a subpoena to Donald Sterling through his lawyers, per a source. They expect him to be here.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
But, Mr. Sterling was a no-show, perhaps another part of his attempt to delay proceedings.
Sitting in court, three rows behind Shelly Sterling. No Donald Sterling sighting yet.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 7, 2014
Not even a subpoena could phase him.
Max Blecher, according to Pierce O'Donnell, accepted subpoena on Sterling's behalf.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
After several hours of recess while federal Judge George Wu examined the case, he finally made his ruling at about 2:40 p.m. PST. From there, the trial got underway with opening statements, followed by O’Donnell calling the first witness.
Pierce O'Donnell opens for Shelly Sterling -- lays out outline of case, calls criticism of doctor a "smear campaign."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
After a 35-minute opening statement by Donald's attorney arguing Dr. Platzer should not be allowed to testify, Judge quickly overules
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 7, 2014
The first witness is Dr. Meril S. Platzer, a California-based neurologist. Donald Sterling's lawyer objects. She's on the stand now.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 7, 2014
Nuerologist just testified that Donald Sterling's brain scan showed Alzheimer's.
— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) July 7, 2014
The day ended with Platzer’s testimony, including an important clarification.
Per Dr. Platzer, Donald Sterling's response to being told he has Alzheimer's "I'm hungry and I want to eat."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
But it followed the theme of the day: delay.
Donald Sterling's attorney is objecting to every question posed at the doctor. Judge wants to to proceed without him objecting to questions.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 7, 2014
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas finally ended proceedings at 4:30 p.m. PST
Done for the day - cross examination of Platzer starts at 1:30 p.m.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
And Donald is expected to be there.
What was surely a bizarre day for everyone in court was made even better for those following at home by some stellar live-tweeting, particularly from Los Angeles Register reporter Dan Woike. A few choice nuggets:
.@ArashMarkazi is here , presumably for mid-day swimsuit shoot on courthouse steps.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
Wish Clipper Darrell was here. "When I say "Pro", you say "Bate."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
So many lawyers here for Sterling. Like a Joseph A. Bank commercial.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
Maybe Donald Sterling and Max Blecher are filling out the five for Melo, Kobe and Kevin Love's run at UCLA
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
If Donald walks in while someone plays the Darth Vader music from Star Ward, @BillPlaschke's head is going to explode.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
I wish Sam Waterson was here. #Sterling
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
Opening is still going on. Apparently Donald hired Phil A. Buster to represent him. (I'm just getting antsy)
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
I hope Donald isn't paying Ruttenberg by the objection.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
Really great stuff.
Both Shelly Sterling’s party and NBA officials were optimistic that the trial would be resolved by the end of the week:
Shelly's attorney Pierce ODonnell calls today "a singular victory for Shelly and the cause of selling the Clippers for $2 billion"
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 7, 2014
Even w/ today's delay, lawyers for Shelly Sterling still expect trial to be completed this week.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 7, 2014
Surely Donald Sterling probably has one or two more tricks up his fancy sleeves to drag it out.