Interim Clippers CEO Parsons: Here for 'transition period,' Shelly Sterling 'doesn't have a current role'

The NBA appointed Dick Parsons as the interim CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, a role that will see the former Citigroup and Time Warner chairman act as a "conservator of the assets" while the league attempts to force banned owner Donald Sterling to sell the franchise.

Parsons spoke Friday and indicated that he will not have much of a hand in basketball operations, which will be left to head coach Doc Rivers. Parsons said that he's been put in place to provide stability for employees, advertisers and other stakeholders in the organization, ensuring it does not lose value during the sale process.

He elaborated on the potential length and scope of his appointment:

Hopefully we’ll get things in order. I know that the NBA and Commissioner Silver are committed to moving forward ideally with cooperation with Mr. Sterling to change ownership, a transition ownership. So my initial thought is I would be there through the period of transition. A, to get things in order, and B, to keep things in order.

As for Shelly Sterling, who is technically also an owner of the team since it is owned by a family trust and who controversially wants to assume ownership, Parsons was clear that she's not currently involved:

She is a beneficial owner of the team and has an ownership interest. But she doesn’t have a current role with the team and I don’t believe that will change.

Parsons begins in the position next week.