A California judge issued a preliminary ruling Monday in favor of Shelly Sterling, estranged wife of Donald Sterling, in the couple's probate trial, a key move in clearing the way for the pending $2 billion sale of the Los Angeles Clippers. Judge Michael Levanas handed down an "oral tentative statement decision" that affirmed Shelly Sterling had the authority to reach an agreement in May to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who has set an Aug. 15 deadline to complete the deal. The judge said he would review objections before issuing a written ruling. Read more http://www.usatoday.com/story/sport...e-ballmer-los-angeles-clippers-sale/13288099/