Clippers news: Steve Ballmer accepts NBA's punishment in Kawhi Leonard scandal aftermath

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The drama involving Steve Ballmer’s Los Angeles Clippers and NBA officials seems to be coming to a close.

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Following an independent investigation into the Clippers circumventing the salary cap to pay star Kawhi Leonard, the NBA imposed its punishment on the franchise. They “found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization, a prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules.” This resulted in the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a yearlong suspension of Ballmer.

Ballmer initially went against the findings, wanting to appeal the decision through a legal setting. However, he released an official statement on Sunday that showed he will back off on the appeal and accept the punishment the league placed on him and the franchise.

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“This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets. I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner,” Ballmer wrote.

“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. 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 challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve. We will continue to build our team and invest in our community. The confidence of our fans is our priority. With our talented roster, outstanding staff and clear vision, I am certain that we will compete at the highest level and be an organization our fans can be proud of,” Ballmer concluded his statement.

Ballmer will begin his suspension throughout the 2026-27 NBA season. As a result, he will be away from all activities involving the Clippers, including attendance at the regular-season games.

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