Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 14
Steve Ballmer Apologizes After NBA Imposes Record $30 Million Clippers Penalty
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Sep 14

Steve Ballmer Apologizes After NBA Imposes Record $30 Million Clippers Penalty

3 articles · Updated · CNBC · Sep 14

Summary

  • Nearly two weeks after the NBA punished the Clippers, Steve Ballmer apologized to fans, employees and fellow owners, saying the team has paid the fine and is moving forward.
  • $30 million in fines and the loss of five first-round picks beginning in 2029 were imposed after the league found salary-cap circumvention tied to Kawhi Leonard and four companies that did business with the team.
  • Ballmer said he still disputes parts of the report but does not want to keep the focus there, a softer stance after the Clippers had vowed to challenge what they called a biased investigation.
  • The NBA said Ballmer knowingly helped Leonard secure off-court income worth millions, while Leonard said he had no knowledge of any intent to evade the cap.

Insights

With federal probes looming, could the Clippers' historic NBA penalty trigger even bigger legal consequences for the franchise?
How will the Clippers navigate a shattered front office and the loss of five draft picks while chasing a championship?