Steve Ballmer<\/strong> has decided to abandon a potential legal challenge against the NBA<\/strong> over the punishment imposed on the Los Angeles Clippers<\/strong> for salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Clippers were forced to forfeit five first-round picks<\/strong>, while Ballmer will serve a one-year suspension<\/strong>. Basketball operations president Lawrence Frank<\/strong> was suspended for six months, while Gillian Zucker<\/strong> is facing a one-year suspension.<\/p>\n Ballmer acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and accepted responsibility as the franchise’s principal owner.<\/p>\n \u201cThis has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets. I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n Ballmer confirmed that the franchise will accept the penalties and move forward.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are committing to put this chapter behind us.<\/strong> We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying with the penalties assessed by the league, have paid the fine, and are moving forward\u201d.<\/p>\n However, Ballmer made clear that he still disagrees with some of the findings in the report.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus. Team owners should support, not distract<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n Ballmer also pledged that the Clippers will continue investing in the roster and the community.<\/p>\n \u201cThe challenges ahead of us are significant, but so is our resolve. We will continue to build our team and invest in our community.<\/strong> The confidence of our fans is our priority\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWith our talented roster, outstanding staff and clear vision, I am certain that we will compete at the highest level<\/strong> and be an organization our fans can be proud of\u201d.<\/p>\n\u201cThis has been a very difficult time\u201d<\/h2>\n
\u201cWe are committing to put this chapter behind us\u201d<\/h2>\n
\u201cWe will continue to build our team\u201d<\/h2>\n
The Kawhi Leonard situation<\/h2>\n