Steve Ballmer steps out as LA Clippers owner

Steve Ballmer has introduced himself to Los Angeles Clippers fans at a rally celebrating his new ownership of the NBA team.

The former Microsoft CEO made his way through the crowd inside Staples Center, exchanging high-fives and clapping furiously as he took the stage Monday.

Ballmer paid a record $2 billion for the team in a sale that was confirmed by a judge last week. The name of disgraced owner Donald Sterling, who controlled the team for 33 years, was never uttered during the rally.

Steve Ballmer, former chief executive officer of Microsoft Corp., speaks to fans as he is introduced as the new owner of the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles, California on Aug. 18, 2014.

Kevork Djansezian | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Ballmer assured the crowd that he has no plans to move the team to Seattle, where he lives.

He shouted until he was nearly hoarse, prowled the stage and gestured to make his points in the enthusiastic style he was known for at Microsoft.

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—By The Associated Press