Former LA Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Files for Divorce from Estranged Wife Shelly

Former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has filed divorce from his estranged wife, Shelly Sterling, on Wednesday. The two separated in 2013, although they have been married for 60 years.

"It is truly an unfortunate situation, however, my client could no longer stand by while his rights are trampled," Donald's lawyer, Bobby Samini, told ABC7.

Samini stated that the couple had initially cited "irreconcilable differences" on their paperwork. However, it was considered incomplete and subsequently rejected by the Los Angeles Superior Court. ABC added that Samini advised it would be handled by Wednesday.

This comes just weeks before the pair's 60^th anniversary.

The couple's marital status took center stage last year after a recording of Donald making racist remarks regarding black people came to light. The 81-year-old was recorded by his mistress, V. Stiviano, on a number of occasion warning her not to associate with black people.

Stiviano was sued by Shelly about 4 months ago after Sterling learned of the expensive gifts her husband had given to the mistress, including a $1.78 million duplex in Beverly Hills. She was forced to hand over keys to the duplex and other girfts she received from Donald and pay $800,000 for the Ferrari in cash -- which amounts to nearly $2.6 million.

Donald's bigoted comments cost him the Clippers, as the National Basketball Association deemed him unfit to manage the team. He was also fined $2.5 million. Co-owner Shelly was able to negotiate selling the team to Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, for $2 billion. 

It is reported that the pair appeared civil in court, even exchanging cards they had given to one another for anniversaries and brithdays. Despite the display, Donald is suing his wife and the NBA in federal court for selling the LA basketball team.

In 2014, Shelly admitted to the Associated Press that she had considered divorcing her husband of nearly six decades, twice. However, the 80-year-old decided at their age, it was not worth the hassle: "What's the point at our age? I still feel sorry for him. I think he's going to make it right, and he'll be OK."