Clippers owner backs down on NBA punishment, apologizes as team accepts $30-million fine
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has accepted a $30-million fine and the loss of five draft picks following an NBA investigation into salary cap circumvention. Ballmer apologized for the distraction caused by the team's initial defiance of the league's findings.
Why it matters
The resolution of this high-profile disciplinary case underscores the NBA's strict enforcement of salary cap rules and the accountability of team ownership.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer sits on the sideline before a game last season against the Chicago Bulls in Inglewood, Calif. Ryan Sun/The Associated Press
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer won’t fight the NBA’s salary cap circumvention punishment in a reversal of the team’s initial defiance and vow to fight against what it called “a heavily biased investigation.”
In his first public comments since the NBA announced a sweeping punishment against the Clippers this month, Ballmer said in a statement posted online Sunday night that the team would comply with the penalties handed down by the league.
The league suspended Ballmer for one year, fined the team US$30-million and forced it to forfeit five first-round draft picks.
“While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus,” he said. “Team owners should support, not distract.”
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