Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has apologised to fans over the controversy surrounding the NBA’s investigation into the team, while confirming he has paid his $30 million fine.
Ballmer’s statement comes less than two weeks after he strongly rejected the findings of the league’s year-long investigation, which concluded that the Clippers circumvented the NBA’s salary cap through sponsorship deals involving star player Kawhi Leonard.
The billionaire owner said he regretted the disruption caused by the case but stopped short of accepting responsibility for the league’s findings. “I have sincere regrets for the distraction and distress this matter has caused,” Ballmer said.
He also made clear that he still disagrees with parts of the NBA’s report.
“There are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report,” Ballmer said.
Ballmer said the Clippers now intend to move past the dispute and comply with the penalties imposed by the league. “We are committing to put this chapter behind us. We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying with the penalties assessed by the league, have paid the fine, and are moving forward.”
Ballmer also said he does not want the dispute to continue overshadowing the team. “While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus. Team owners should support, not distract.”
The NBA investigation found that the Clippers had circumvented the salary cap and paid Leonard millions of dollars through no-show sponsorship arrangements.
Under the league’s punishment, the Clippers will forfeit their first-round picks in the NBA Draft from 2029 through 2033.
Ballmer has also been suspended from all league and team activities for one year and fined $30 million.
Leonard, who joined the Clippers in 2019 after winning two NBA Finals MVP awards, was not suspended but was fined $700,000.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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