Ryan Smith comments on Steve Ballmer and Clippers sanctions

21/09/202622:58

Utah Jazz

The Jazz owner praised Ballmer while stressing that NBA rules must be enforced following the severe penalties handed down to the Clippers.

Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith has commented on the NBA case involving Steve Ballmer and the Los Angeles Clippers, who were punished for salary cap violations.

Smith praised his fellow owner while emphasizing the importance of league rules. “Steve is a standup individual first and foremost. Obviously we have rules, and the NBA’s gotta do it, and I’m glad he accepted it, and we all can just turn the page and move on,” Smith told Front Office Sports.

He added: “It’s not the first time this has happened in the league, but these rules have to mean anything.” Ballmer was suspended for one year, while the Clippers lost five consecutive first-round picks from 2029 through 2033 and were fined $30 million.