Dick Parsons -- Clippers Coach, Players May Quit ... If Donald Sterling Stays As Owner

Clippers interim CEO Dick Parsons says he believes team coaches and players MAY QUIT if Donald Sterling isn't removed as owner ASAP ... telling TMZ Sports, "I think there's risk to the team."

Parsons testified in the Sterling hearing today -- saying in court, "We may have defections of coaches and players if Sterling is still with the team. Including the head coach."

After the hearing, Parsons says he hopes the judge will come to a resolution quickly -- and in the meantime, he's instructed Clippers players and coaches to focus on basketball while he focuses on reaching a solution.