Clippers owner Ballmer accepts NBA penalties and apologizes to fans
Steve Ballmer said the Los Angeles Clippers will comply with the NBA's $30 million fine and loss of draft picks related to the Kawhi Leonard salary-cap case, apologizing to fans and staff.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer announced Sunday that the franchise will accept the NBA's penalties stemming from the Kawhi Leonard salary-cap circumvention investigation. The team has paid the $30 million fine and will forgo five first-round draft picks, while top executives face suspensions and unpaid periods.
Ballmer issued a statement expressing regret for the distraction caused to fans, employees and other owners, and said he accepts responsibility as principal owner. > "This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets," the statement read.
He added that the organization will move forward, continue building the roster, and focus on community investment. The compliance decision arrives hours before the NBA Board of Governors meeting and may open talks about reducing the discipline, similar to a past case involving the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The penalties have also delayed the pending trade that would send Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, multiple first-round picks and a second-round pick to the Clippers in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. League sources said the trade could be finalized in the coming days once the Clippers restructure their front office.