Steve Ballmer, the Los Angeles Clippers owner, has spoken publicly for the first time since his one-year suspension by the NBA. He has acknowledged responsibility for the Kawhi Leonard scandal and confirmed paying the $30 million fine levied by the league.

Ballmer expressed his regrets on Twitter/X, stating, “This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets.” He apologized to fans, employees, and other NBA team owners, accepting accountability as the principal owner.

On September 2, the NBA announced that the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard had breached salary cap rules, a charge initially denied by those involved.

Ballmer’s one-year suspension involves his attempt to help Leonard receive off-court income and for failing to ensure compliance with the NBA’s circumvention rules. The consequences extend beyond Ballmer.

President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker and President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank also faced suspensions, and the Clippers lost first-round draft picks from 2029 to 2033.

Ballmer stated, “We are committing to put this chapter behind us.” He mentioned that despite lingering disagreements with the investigation’s findings, his focus lies in supporting the team without causing distractions.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining fan confidence, committing to building a competitive team backed by a talented roster and dedicated staff.

The NBA’s investigation made public the ties between Leonard, the Clippers, and Aspiration, leaving Ballmer little choice but to accept responsibility for the violation.

Pablo Torre’s report had originally exposed a $28 million deal, which later uncovered extensive transactions around the scandal. Though it took Ballmer over a year to acknowledge the wrongdoing, he now seeks to move past the incident.