Steve Ballmer demands NBA investigation into possible irregularities
The owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Steve Ballmer, has expressed his firm stance on the accusations of possible violations of the NBA salary cap. In an exclusive interview, Ballmer stated that he would request a thorough investigation from the league if it were proven that another owner or team had engaged in irregular practices. These statements arise from a podcast where it was suggested that the Clippers may have violated NBA rules regarding Kawhi Leonard’s sponsorship contract with Aspiration, a financially troubled banking company.The NBA has announced that it will launch an investigation to determine whether the Clippers, led by Ballmer, violated league rules. The focus of the investigation centers on the $28 million sponsorship deal that Leonard received from Aspiration, a company in which Ballmer had invested. Ballmer stated that Aspiration asked him to introduce Leonard, but denied having knowledge of the sponsorship contract that was ultimately signed. In addition, the Clippers owner clarified that the introduction took place in November 2021, three months after the team agreed to a contract extension with Leonard. Ballmer also revealed that Aspiration was interested in the team’s stadium naming rights, even offering a sum higher than that of Intuit, the company ultimately selected. Ballmer assured that the introduction to Leonard was done respecting the league’s rules, allowing teams to present their sponsors to the athletes, but without getting directly involved in the agreements. The Clippers owner indicated that he has been reviewing his interaction with Aspiration as part of the Department of Justice’s investigation into the company. Aspiration’s co-founder pleaded guilty to wire fraud for defrauding investors and lenders of more than $248 million. Ballmer admitted to feeling “ashamed” for not having detected the warning signs with Aspiration, emphasizing that he was a victim of fraud. This incident adds to a series of accusations about Leonard’s business dealings with the Clippers. The NBA already investigated the team after accusations about inappropriate requests made by Leonard and his team during his free agency in 2019. The league absolved the Clippers of any wrongdoing at that time, but indicated that it would reopen the investigation if new information emerged. Ballmer was asked why so many accusations about Leonard have arisen during his six years with the team. The owner responded that the lack of communication on Leonard’s part could generate speculation and narratives. Ballmer emphasized that the relationship with Leonard is good and that the team has always acted correctly.I want the league to investigate and take this seriously.
Steve Ballmer, owner of LA Clippers
