In brief: Sterlings are going to court over Clippers

NBA: Shelly Sterling’s attorney will be in probate court today to seek an emergency order for a hearing so a judge can confirm her authority to sell the Los Angeles Clippers, according to an individual familiar with the matter.

The individual was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Shelly Sterling brokered what would be a record-breaking $2 billion deal with former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to sell the team after her husband and co-owner Donald Sterling made racist comments to a girlfriend that were recorded and publicized. The NBA moved swiftly to oust him as an owner.

But Donald Sterling has vowed not to sell and is suing the NBA for $1 billion.

Donald Sterling said in a statement released by his attorney Tuesday that he’s fighting for the fundamental rights of Americans against the NBA which he calls “a band of hypocrites and bullies” and “despicable monsters.”

Shelly Sterling contends she is the sole trustee of The Sterling Family Trust, which owns the team. Donald Sterling was stripped as co-trustee after two neurologists last month determined he was suffering from dementia and “mentally incapacitated” under the trust’s conditions, according to a person who is familiar with the trust and the medical evaluations but could not speak publicly.

The aim of Sterling’s court bid is to have a judge confirm provisions of the family trust to ensure the Ballmer sale moves forward without a hitch. Donald Sterling has the right to present his side at any hearing and appeal any decision.

Storm defeats short-handed Sky

WNBA: Tanisha Wright scored 17 points to help the visiting Seattle Storm beat short-handed Chicago, which was missing star Elena Delle Donne, 80-76.

Delle Donne, who is second in the league in scoring at just over 22 points a game, was sidelined with a reported flareup of Lyme Disease that plagued her in college. Forward Jessica Breland also sat out with a lower leg injury. Chicago is still without Sylvia Fowles, who is recovering from offseason hip surgery. She’s expected back later this month.

Camille Little added 13 points and Sue Bird had 12 for the Storm (4-6).

Falcons linebacker will miss season

NFL: Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon has ruptured his Achilles tendon and will miss the 2014 season.

The loss of Weatherspoon, the team’s first-round pick from Missouri in 2010, is a blow to the Falcons, whose 2013 season was marked by a string of injuries. Weatherspoon has eight sacks and two interceptions in his first four seasons.

• Lee surgery scheduled Thursday: Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee is set for surgery on his injured knee, but there’s no timetable for his return.

Lee has missed 15 games the past two seasons because of toe, hamstring and neck injuries.

• Quessenberry has lymphoma: The Houston Texans say offensive tackle David Quessenberry has lymphoma and has been placed on the NFL’s non-football illness list.

The 6-5, 300-pound Quessenberry is a second-year pro from San Jose State.

Manziel off limits during minicamp

NFL: The Cleveland Browns are keeping Johnny Manziel under wraps and quiet.

The team is not making their popular Heisman Trophy-winning rookie quarterback available to the media during its three-day mandatory minicamp this week. Manziel is competing with Brian Hoyer for Cleveland’s starting job.

Manziel returned to Cleveland on Monday after spending a fun-filled weekend in Texas. He was photographed floating in a pool while drinking a bottle of champagne at an Austin nightclub. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres and attended Game 2 of the NBA Finals, wearing a Cleveland Cavaliers cap.

Arndt wins stage; Froome keeps lead

Cycling: Niklas Arndt edged Kris Boeckmans in a sprint finish to win the third stage of the Criterium du Dauphine at La Teil, France.

Chris Froome, who won the opening two stages, finished safely in the peloton to maintain his overall lead.