NBASep 30
Clippers Seek to Rebuild Fan Trust After NBA Penalties
Interim leadership pledged stronger compliance as LA prepares for a changed roster and a season-opening absence for Brandon Ingram.
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Apology follows league sanctions
The LA Clippers began Monday’s media day with an apology to supporters as the franchise faces the fallout from the NBA’s salary cap circumvention investigation. Interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden acknowledged that fans should have heard from the organization sooner. He said the team understood their frustration and intended to earn back their confidence while complying with the league’s penalties. The investigation found that the Clippers violated NBA rules by arranging endorsement opportunities for Kawhi Leonard. The sanctions included a $30 million fine, the loss of five first-round picks and suspensions for owner Steve Ballmer, basketball operations president Lawrence Frank and business operations president Gillian Zucker. After initially disputing the findings, Ballmer accepted the punishment in a Sept. 13 statement.
Temporary leadership takes over
Los Angeles-area lawyer John S. Gibson is serving as interim governor during Ballmer’s yearlong suspension. His priorities include repairing relationships throughout basketball, strengthening compliance with league rules and reviewing the franchise’s basketball and business operations. Redden is replacing Frank during his six-month suspension, with support from coach Ty Lue, interim general manager Mark Hughes and executive Lee Jenkins. Redden indicated that roster discussions would follow the same process, with Gibson taking over final approval of trades. Lue reaffirmed his commitment to the organization and Ballmer, pointing to recent player workouts in Los Angeles as an encouraging sign despite the upheaval.
Roster reset brings another challenge
The Clippers also enter a likely rebuilding season after sending Leonard, their leading scorer, to Toronto earlier this month for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft assets. Ingram will not be available for the start of the season.
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