Steve Ballmer says Clippers will accept NBA penalties and has paid fine
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer announced the team will comply with the NBA's sanctions, including a $30 million fine and loss of five first-round draft picks, and apologized to fans.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer said the franchise will abide by the penalties imposed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and has already paid the $30 million fine. In a statement released Sunday, Ballmer expressed regret over the situation and apologized to fans, employees and fellow owners for the "distraction and distress" caused by the case.
The league’s sanctions, resulting from a year-long investigation that found the Clippers used sponsor relationships to secure no-show endorsement contracts for star forward Kawhi Leonard and thereby circumvent the salary cap, include the surrender of five first-round draft picks (2029-2033), a one-year suspension for Ballmer from team and league activities, a one-year suspension for President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker, a six-month suspension for President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank, a $700,000 fine for Leonard and a five-year ban for Leonard’s former business manager.
Ballmer indicated the organization will move forward, appoint an interim governor and head of basketball operations, and finalize Leonard’s pending trade to the Toronto Raptors. Federal investigations by the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission into the endorsement deals continue, but Ballmer said the Clippers will focus on rebuilding and serving the community.
"We are committing to put this chapter behind us," Ballmer said, adding that the team will continue to invest in its roster and community while prioritising fan confidence.
Legal experts noted that the Clippers’ options to challenge the NBA’s decision were limited, as the collective bargaining agreement restricts arbitration to the player and the players’ union, and a court challenge would face significant hurdles.