Steve Ballmer accepts NBA’s punishment; apologises to Clippers’ fans, employees, and fellow NBA team owners; says: Has been a very difficult time for …
Steve Ballmer has apologised and accepted the NBA’s (National Basketball Association) punishment against the Los Angeles Clippers over the league’s investigation into Kawhi Leonard’s salary cap circumvention case, ending the team’s plans to challenge the penalties in court. The decision comes just 11 days after the NBA handed the Clippers a $30 million fine, took away five first-round draft picks and suspended Ballmer and two senior executives. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ballmer said that “this has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clipper” and he “regrets” it. “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 stated in the post.Notably, the Clippers had initially called the investigation a “witch hunt” and said they would explore legal options. Steve Ballmer has now said the team will comply with the penalties, paid the fine and move forward, while acknowledging that it has been a difficult period for the organisation.
Here’s what Steve Ballmer said
For my Los Angeles Clippers followersThis 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.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.
