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Ballmer Accepts Clippers Cap-Circumvention Penalties, Gets One-Year Ban

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 2:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Ballmer Accepts Penalties

Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, accepted the NBA’s salary-cap circumvention penalties.
The franchise paid a $30 million fine and lost five first-round picks from 2029-2033.
Ballmer received a one-year suspension from all league and team activities.
Gillian Zucker, Lawrence Frank and Kawhi Leonard received suspensions or fines totaling one year, six months, and $700,000.
The U.S. Department of Justice opened a criminal inquiry into the Clippers’ cap-circumvention scheme.

Summary

Ballmer Issues Apology

Steve Ballmer posted a public apology to fans, employees, and fellow owners, expressing sincere regret.
He announced the franchise has paid the $30 million NBA fine and will comply with league penalties.
Ballmer said the team will refocus on community investment and building a winning culture despite lingering investigation disagreements.
At 70, he used social media to address Clippers supporters, noting significant upcoming challenges but affirming resolve.

History

Historical Context

In 2007 the NBA penalized the New York Knicks for salary-cap violations. The penalty echoed earlier scrutiny of the Knicks’ $124 million payroll in 2005-06—$74.5 million over the cap—and the league’s 2011 CBA reforms that tightened luxury-tax penalties. Owner James Dolan contested the sanction, while Commissioner Adam Silver continues the league’s strict oversight.

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Ballmer Accepts Penalties

Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, accepted the NBA’s salary-cap circumvention penalties.
The franchise paid a $30 million fine and lost five first-round picks from 2029-2033.
Ballmer received a one-year suspension from all league and team activities.
Gillian Zucker, Lawrence Frank and Kawhi Leonard received suspensions or fines totaling one year, six months, and $700,000.
The U.S. Department of Justice opened a criminal inquiry into the Clippers’ cap-circumvention scheme.

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