NBA issues historic penalties to Clippers following salary cap investigation
The Sporting News via Yahoo Sports•
The NBA has imposed significant penalties on the Los Angeles Clippers following a year-long investigation into salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard. The league found the franchise guilty of improper off-court payments and sham endorsement deals worth at least $46 million.
As a result of the findings, the NBA has issued the following punishments:
- A $30 million fine for the franchise.
- The forfeiture of five future first-round draft picks.
- A one-year suspension for Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.
The investigation focused on allegations that the Clippers used outside business arrangements to circumvent salary-cap regulations. While the franchise and its owner face these sanctions, the player involved, Kawhi Leonard, received a fine but his contract remains untouched.
