The National Basketball Association has named a prominent African-American businessman as interim chief executive of the Clippers, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Friday. The appointment is effective immediately.

Dick Parsons, former chairman of Citigroup and Time Warner, will oversee the Clippers organization in collaboration with Doc Rivers, senior vice president of basketball operations.

Parsons, who is African-American and played basketball in college, replaces former team president Andy Roeser, who took an indefinite leave of absence on Tuesday. Roeser drew criticism for his comments that were seen as too lenient toward team owner’s Donald Sterling racist comments.

Silver said he expects Parsons will bring some stability to the team as it fights through the playoffs amid controversy over its ownership.

“I believe the hiring of Dick Parsons will bring extraordinary leadership and immediate stability to the Clippers organization,” Silver said in a statement.

“Like most Americans, I have been deeply troubled by the pain the Clippers’ team, fans and partners have endured,” Parsons said in a statement. “A lifelong fan of the NBA, I am firmly committed to the values and principles it is defending, and I completely support Adam’s leadership in navigating the challenges facing the team and the league. The Clippers are a resilient organization with a brilliant coach and equally talented and dedicated athletes and staff who have demonstrated great strength of character during a time of adversity.”