Clippers owner Steve Ballmer accepts NBA sanctions over Kawhi Leonard salary-cap case
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said he has paid the $30 million fine and will comply with the NBA's penalties, while noting he still disagrees with the league's findings.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer announced on Sunday that the franchise has paid the $30 million fine imposed by the NBA and will comply with all sanctions related to the salary-cap investigation involving Kawhi Leonard. Although he said he retains "disagreements" with the league's conclusions, Ballmer expressed a desire to move past the episode.
"This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets," Ballmer said in a statement. "I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner."
The NBA had stripped the Clippers of five first-round draft picks, banned Ballmer for one year from league and team activities, and fined Leonard $700,000. The penalties were described as final and binding after a 35-page report found the team used third-party agreements to circumvent the salary cap.
Ballmer added that the organization will focus on rebuilding and supporting the community, emphasizing confidence in the team's roster and staff.
"The challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve. We will continue to build our team and invest in our community," he said.
The decision follows earlier statements from the Clippers labeling the investigation as a "witch hunt" and indicating intent to pursue legal remedies, but NBA bylaws provide no mechanism to contest the findings.