NBA HAMMERS CLIPPERS OVER SALARY-CAP CIRCUMVENTION

???? NBA HAMMERS CLIPPERS OVER SALARY-CAP CIRCUMVENTION ????????

The NBA has handed down major penalties against the Los Angeles Clippers following an independent investigation into salary-cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and members of the organization.

Here’s the punishment:

???? Steve Ballmer: Suspended from all NBA and team activities for 1 year
???? Gillian Zucker: Suspended without pay for 1 year
???? Lawrence Frank: Suspended without pay for 6 months
???? Dennis “Uncle Dennis” Robertson: Banned from conducting business with NBA teams for 5 years
???? Kawhi Leonard: Fined $700,000
???? LA Clippers: Fined $30 million and stripped of five first-round draft picks (2029–2033)

The NBA said its investigation found a pattern of misconduct involving impermissible endorsement arrangements, off-court income opportunities and personal expenses connected to Leonard.

The Clippers have vehemently rejected the findings and said they intend to challenge the sanctions, while Leonard said he accepts responsibility for lapses in judgment within his inner circle.

Five first-round picks AND $30 million?! ???? Has the NBA gone too far, or is this punishment deserved?
????: bleacherreport