Sterling saga not over for NBA

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Sterling and the NBA are headed toward a hearing that will determine if he remains owner of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Unless Shelly Sterling finds a buyer for the team first.

The Sterlings were part combative, part cooperative Tuesday, with Donald Sterling fighting to keep his team even as his estranged wife said he had authorized her to sell it.

He didn’t seem willing to give it up ”“ at least not without a fight ”“ in his passionate response to the league’s attempt to oust him.

“We do not believe a court in the United States of America will enforce the draconian penalties imposed on Mr. Sterling in these circumstances, and indeed, we believe that preservation of Mr. Sterling’s constitutional rights requires that these sham proceedings be terminated in Mr. Sterling’s favor,” the response said.

Sterling argued that there is no basis for stripping him of his team because his statements were illegally recorded “during an inflamed lovers’ quarrel in which he was clearly distraught.”

Griffin interviews for Cavs’ opening

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers interviewed Chicago Bulls assistant coach Adrian Griffin for their coaching vacancy, two people with knowledge of the meeting told the Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the matter is private.

Griffin is believed to be the first candidate to formally interview with the Cavs, who are looking for their third coach in three years.

Grizzlies extend HC Joerger

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Grizzlies owner Robert Pera followed through on his promise to open up his checkbook by signing Dave Joerger to a contract extension just days after allowing the coach to speak to the Minnesota Timberwolves about their vacancy.

Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but Joerger said on ESPN 92.9 FM in Memphis that Pera guaranteed the fourth year of his contract with a fifth year a team option.

Cowboys’ Lee injured during OTAs

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Oft-injured Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee didn’t even make it through the first offseason practice without another setback in a career filled with them.

Lee went down with a left knee injury during the team portion of what was supposed to be a noncontact workout Tuesday. Coach Jason Garrett said Lee was getting an MRI later in the day.

The fifth-year middle linebacker went to the ground with rookie offensive lineman Zack Martin on top of him and didn’t get up right away. He had to be helped off the field by trainers, screaming in anger at cameramen lining the entrance to the training room.

The 27-year-old Lee has missed 15 of 32 games the past two seasons and has never played a full a season in his four years in the league. He missed five games last year with hamstring and neck injuries.