NBA punishes Steve Ballmer and Clippers with heavy penalties over scandal

The NBA has levied a $30 million fine against the LA Clippers for violating salary rules to benefit star player Kawhi Leonard. This is the league's largest fine ever imposed. Leonard is accused of pressuring the Clippers into acquiring off-court income opportunities, which the NBA report claims he successfully obtained. In addition to the hefty fine, the Clippers will forfeit five first-round draft picks between 2029 and 2033.

Furthermore, team owner Steve Ballmer has been suspended from all league and team activities for a year due to his involvement in the Leonard-related sponsorship contracts during his time with the franchise. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed deep disappointment over the Clippers' "flagrant violations" of the rules, describing the penalties as proportionate to the severity of the infractions.

Leonard himself has been fined $700,000 and the team's president of business operations, Gillian Zucker, has been suspended for a year without pay for providing misleading statements to investigators. The NBA investigation revealed a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rule violations by the Clippers, who have a history of salary-cap circumvention.

Leonard, 35, acknowledged full responsibility for his actions and expressed regret for the distraction caused to fans and his family. He maintained that he entered into the necessary contracts in good faith with no knowledge of any intent to circumvent the salary cap. The NBA has placed the Clippers' organisation and personnel under a five-year compliance and monitoring program overseen by the league.