Sterling Dazed, Confused Over 0-15 Start

Owner Donald Sterling, saying he is as baffled as his front office and fans about his Clippers’ current state, expressed emotions during an interview Monday that ran from sadness to frustration to disappointment.

But he also said he was resolved to stay the course and that he would do so with his current basketball people, General Manager Elgin Baylor and Coach Chris Ford.

“I have great fondness for both,” he said.

Beyond Sterling’s frustration is something even more difficult. Confusion.

“From an owner’s point of view, I really don’t know what to say,” he said. “I’m certainly disappointed. But I am committed to winning, and I will do anything we can to get there.”

Sterling said that he likes the interplay between Baylor and Ford.

“They talk all the time,” he said. “They talk about trades and they want to get something done before the trading deadline. But we all want to be careful because all too many teams make trades that just end up giving them other people’s problems.

“I trust Elgin. I believe in him. He will give you everything he has. Same with the coach. But sometimes, when you are under pressure--and we certainly are under pressure right now--it is not the right time to make any moves.”

Reiterating that he doesn’t really understand the nuances of the sport and thus feels helpless at basketball decision making, Sterling said he realizes fully where the buck stops.

“I’m the guy at the top. I’m responsible,” he said. “As a lawyer, I am used to finding solutions, and I do. As an investor, same thing. But this sports ownership is much tougher. Nothing seems to come easily.

“All I know is, I’ll never give up. I’m prepared to do anything and everything it takes to eventually win.”