Donald Sterling Contests Doctor Who Found Him Mentally Unfit

By Sheila Cosgrove Baylis and Johnny Dodd

07/04/2014 at 11:25 AM EDT

Shelly and Donald Sterling

oah Graham/NBAE/Getty

Donald Sterling plans to argue the findings of a doctor called to examine his mental capacity – and put forth his own doctor's results – in the case that will determine whether his estranged wife, Shelly Sterling, had the authority to sell the Los Angeles Clippers.

Sterling claims that after the contested examination, he and the doctor went out for dinner and drinks, along with Shelly and a family friend.

"It was unclear at what point a medical examination ceased and a social interaction began, with the consumption of alcoholic beverages taking place," Sterling's attorneys said in court documents cited by ESPN.

Donald, 80, has found a new doctor who declares him mentally fit, CNN reported.

Shelly Sterling contends her husband is afflicted with Alzheimer's or another mental disorder, and since they are co-owners of the NBA franchise, she claims she has a right to sell it to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer for $2 billion.

Donald Sterling's racist comments got him banned for life from the NBA in April. He was also fined $2.5 million.

Over the years, the billionaire real-estate developer has paid out millions in settlements to former tenants who, along with the U.S. Department of Justice, have accused him of housing discrimination.

Sterling's home life – he's been married for 59 years and has three kids – has been equally tumultuous. In May, Shelly, 79, told ABC News that her husband is "emotionally abusive and verbally abusive."

Shelly also alleges she has been the victim of a "few incidents" of physical abuse, "but nothing of great magnitude." Donald has not commented on those allegations.