The Los Angeles Clippers have named their interim Governor and CEO after the NBA's punishment for salary cap circumvention delivered several suspensions for Clippers management.
According ESPN's Shams Charania, Los Angeles-based lawyer John Gibson has been named as the franchise's interim Governor and CEO. The NBA approved the nomination from Steve Ballmer.
"I am honored to take on this responsibility and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization I have supported for many years," said Gibson.
The Clippers have talented players, coaches, and staff, an extraordinary hom in Intuit Dome, and passionate Clipper Nation fans who, like me, care deeply about this team. My focus will be on supporting our people, providing steady leadership, and helping the organization continue moving forward."
Clippers name interim CEO after NBA suspensions
The Clippers have had to select new leadership due to the NBA's handed out suspensions to their management for their salary circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard.
The organization was ordered to forfeit 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.
Team owner Steve Ballmer was issued a one-year suspension from all NBA and team activities, President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was handed a one-year suspension without pay, while President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month suspension without pay.
Kawhi Leonard was fined $ 700,000, while his uncle and former business manager, Dennis Robertson, was hit with a five-year ban from conducting any business within the NBA.