End of the New Era's Biggest NBA Scandal, a Serbian Coach Has Been Waiting for This

Pulse Sports Team 05:12 - 14 September 2026

On behalf of the Los Angeles Clippers, Steve Ballmer has finally apologized and taken full responsibility for the franchise after the historic penalty imposed by the NBA for salary cap violations. Now, everything is set for Kawhi Leonard to join Darko Rajaković.

Steve Ballmer has finally addressed the most severe penalty in NBA history, levied against the Los Angeles Clippers for circumventing the salary cap. In an extensive post on X (formerly Twitter), the Clippers owner took full responsibility for the investigation's outcome and apologized to fans, employees, other team owners, and the league itself.

Ballmer also revealed that the Clippers will fully comply with the NBA's sanctions as they aim to move past this controversial scandal. Ballmer's complete message can be read below:

To my followers and Los Angeles Clippers fans, this has been a very difficult period for everyone associated with the Clippers, and for that, I express my sincere regret. I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and other NBA team owners for diverting attention from basketball and for the distress this case has caused, for which, as the majority owner, I accept full responsibility. We are committed to putting this chapter behind us. We have informed the NBA that we will adhere to the penalties imposed, that we have paid the fine, and that we are moving forward. While disagreements regarding the report's findings still exist, that is not what I wish to focus on. Team owners should be supportive, not a distraction. The challenges ahead are significant, but so is our determination. We will continue to build our team and invest in our community. The trust of our fans is our priority. With our talented team, outstanding coaching staff, and clear vision, I am confident that we will compete at the highest level and be an organization our fans can be proud of.

Clippers Hit with Historic Penalty After Scandal

Following a year-long investigation led by the Wachtell Lipton law firm, Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers were found responsible for manipulating the salary cap and paying Kawhi Leonard through illegal, clandestine sponsorship agreements.

The league's leadership reacted harshly, suspending Ballmer for one year from all NBA and club activities. President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker was also suspended for a year without pay, while President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month suspension.

The Clippers bore the brunt of the punishment. They were ordered to forfeit five consecutive first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033, pay a $30 million fine, and undergo a stringent five-year monitoring and compliance program under NBA supervision.

Steve Ballmer and the Clippers Finally Accept Responsibility Amid NBA Sanctions. Steve Ballmer taking full responsibility for the consequences within the Clippers marks a significant turning point for the entire franchise and the NBA.

The Clippers had previously openly rejected a series of penalties imposed by the NBA for salary cap violations, announcing legal action and lawsuits to overturn the decision. Consequently, there were also reports that Ballmer himself was considering taking the case to court in a dispute with the NBA or seeking an injunction in favor of his franchise.

With Ballmer and the Clippers finally accepting their fate and the price they must pay, the long-awaited trade of Kawhi Leonard to Darko Rajaković's Toronto Raptors could finally materialize.

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