Steve Ballmer seems to have gotten to the acceptance stage of grief.
Less than two weeks after — his word — “vehemently” denying the results of a year-long NBA investigation that found the Clippers had circumvented the salary cap and paid superstar Kawhi Leonard millions through no-show deals with sponsors, the team’s billionaire owner posted a somewhat contrite statement acknowledging “sincere regrets…for the distraction and distress this matter has caused.” Ballmer did not, however, admit guilt. He said, “there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report.”
He went on: “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.”
Specifically, the Clippers will forfeit their first-round picks in the NBA Draft from 2029 through 2033. Ballmer is suspended for “all league and team activities for one year” and fined $30M. Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP signed by the Clippers in 2019, was not suspended but was fined $700,000.
