The NBA handed down the largest punishment in the history of the league in the aftermath of the LA Clippers salary cap probe.
Following a year-long investigation, the league found that the Clippers circumvented the league’s salary cap rules to give millions to Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers will forfeit their next five first-round picks — in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032 and 2033. Clippers owner Ballmer will be fined $30 million, the league announced.
Also, Ballmer has been suspended for one year, “for knowingly seeking to help Mr. Leonard obtain off-court income opportunities.”
Leonard was ordered to pay a $700,000 penalty to the league. Additionally, his former business manager and uncle, Dennis Robertson, was banned from conducting business with NBA teams for five years
President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for one year without pay for her direct involvement and for lying to investigators. President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months without pay for approving impermissible expenses and endorsing improper player arrangements.
LEONARD ADDRESSES THE RULING
In a statement, the Clippers pledged to fight the ruling that they disagree with.
“We vehemently reject the NBA’s findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence,” the statement read. “For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith, and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence. We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available.”
Leonard also released a statement about his role in the investigation and the acceptance of his punishment.
“I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle. And I regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family,” Leonard said. “I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone’s part to circumvent the salary cap. … As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate.”
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