Steve Ballmer has finally addressed the NBA's all-time punishment against the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the salary cap.
In a lengthy post on X, the Clippers owner took full responsibility for the outcome of the investigation and apologized to the franchise's fans, employees, team owners, and the league.
Ballmer also revealed that the Clippers will fully comply with the NBA’s sanctions as they look to move forward from the controversial scandal.
The full message from Ballmer can be read below:
Clippers suffer from historic punishment after Kawhi Leonard salary cap scandal
After a year-long investigation led by law firm Wachtell Lipton, Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers were found liable for manipulating the salary cap and paying Kawhi Leonard through illegal hidden endorsement deals.
The league leadership dropped the hammer by suspending Ballmer for one year from all NBA and team activities. President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was also given a one-year suspension without pay, while President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank also received a six-month suspension.
The Clippers suffered the worst. They were ordered to surrender their five consecutive first-round draft picks from 2029 through 2033, pay a $30 million fine, and submit to a strict five-year league compliance and monitoring program under the NBA.
Steve Ballmer, Clippers finally accept accountability amid NBA punishment
Steve Ballmer taking full accountability for the LA Clippers' fallout is a massive development for the entire franchise and the NBA.
The Clippers have notably rejected the NBA's slew of punishments against them for their salary cap violations, vowing to seek legal action to overturn the decision. As such, there were also reports that Ballmer himself is considering taking the matter to court with the NBA or going for a restraining order for his franchise.
With Ballmer and the Clippers finally accepting their fate and the price they have to pay, the long-awaited Kawhi Leonard trade to the Toronto Raptors might finally happen.