Will the Clippers’ $30m fine tame the NBA’s billionaire class? We’re about to find out
Summary
The NBA fined the Los Angeles Clippers $30 million, took away five first-round draft picks, and suspended owner Steve Ballmer for a year. This happened after an investigation found the team broke salary rules by secretly paying player Kawhi Leonard through hidden endorsement deals.Key Facts
- Steve Ballmer bought the Clippers for $2 billion in 2014 and invested heavily in the team and facilities.
- The Clippers won praise for innovation but were accused of breaking NBA salary rules in 2021.
- The NBA punished the team with the largest fines and penalties in its history.
- Kawhi Leonard was paid $28 million through fake endorsement deals with companies connected to the team.
- The NBA investigation showed the Clippers set up deals with companies doing business with the team to illegally pay Leonard.
- The Clippers disagree with the punishment and called the investigation biased.
- Leonard accepted responsibility for his team’s poor decisions and the conduct of his uncle and former manager.
- NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the punishment was for serious rule violations meant to keep the league fair.
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