DOJ Opens Criminal Probe into Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer

DOJ Opens Criminal Probe into Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer

Sports

Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles opened a criminal investigation into Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer on 17 September, alleging a salary-cap scheme tied to Kawhi Leonard, according to Awful Announcing. The probe follows NBA sanctions announced earlier in the month.

On 10 September, Ballmer said the Clippers would pay a $30 million fine and forfeit five first-round draft picks, apologising to fans, as reported by The New York Times. NBA commissioner Adam Silver later confirmed that the year-long suspensions of Ballmer, general manager Gillian Zucker and coach Lawrence Frank, along with the fine and draft-pick loss, would remain in effect.

Actors

Steve Ballmer Los Angeles Clippers NBA

Locations

Los Angeles, California, United States Minnesota, United States

Articles

September 17, 2026
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DOJ Launches Investigation Into Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer Over Salary-Cap Scheme
DOJ Launches Investigation Into Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer Over Salary-Cap Scheme

Awful Announcing • 17 Sep 19:02

Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal inquiry into Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers following the NBA's sanctions for illicit sponsorship payments tied to Kawhi Leonard.

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September 16, 2026
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NBA commissioner upholds suspensions and fines for Clippers owner and executives
NBA commissioner upholds suspensions and fines for Clippers owner and executives

The New York Times • 16 Sep 12:15

Adam Silver confirmed that the year-long suspensions, $30 million fine and loss of five first-round draft picks imposed on Steve Ballmer, Gillian Zucker and Lawrence Frank will remain in effect, while player Kawhi Leonard faced only a modest fine.

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September 14, 2026
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Steve Ballmer says Clippers will accept NBA penalties and has paid fine
Steve Ballmer says Clippers will accept NBA penalties and has paid fine

NBC Sports • 14 Sep 19:39

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.

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Clippers owner Steve Ballmer apologizes as team accepts NBA sanctions
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer apologizes as team accepts NBA sanctions

CNBC • 14 Sep 04:58

Steve Ballmer said the Los Angeles Clippers will comply with NBA penalties, including a $30 million fine and loss of draft picks, and expressed regret for the distraction caused to fans and the league.

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Clippers owner Ballmer says team will accept NBA penalties
Clippers owner Ballmer says team will accept NBA penalties

Los Angeles Times • 14 Sep 03:53

Steve Ballmer announced the Los Angeles Clippers will comply with the league's sanctions following an investigation that found salary-cap violations involving Kawhi Leonard.

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Clippers owner Steve Ballmer accepts NBA sanctions over Kawhi Leonard salary-cap case
Clippers owner Steve Ballmer accepts NBA sanctions over Kawhi Leonard salary-cap case

Yahoo Sports • 14 Sep 03:20

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.

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Clippers owner Ballmer accepts NBA penalties and apologizes to fans
Clippers owner Ballmer accepts NBA penalties and apologizes to fans

The New York Times • 14 Sep 03:15

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.

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