Home · Sports · Sep 16 archive
Case closed: Silver says Clippers needed 'competitive consequences'
Confirmed
In Short: Adam Silver addressed the NBA's recent sanctions on the Los Angeles Clippers during a meeting with the league's board of governors.
The NBA has concluded its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, resulting in a significant punishment for the franchise. According to reports, the investigation found "a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization," leading to the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks and a $30 million fine.
Commissioner Adam Silver defended the severity of the punishment, drawing historical precedent from the Minnesota Timberwolves' case in 2000. Silver noted that the Clippers' actions were in line with the league's past decisions, emphasizing the need for "competitive consequences" to ensure fair play across the league.
Silver's comments came during a two-day Board of Governors meeting in New York City, where he also addressed the Clippers' absence. The franchise was not represented at the meeting due to ongoing issues following Steve Ballmer's suspension. Ballmer issued a statement apologizing for the distraction caused and confirming that the fine had been paid.
Silver acknowledged that the punishment would be felt most acutely by Clippers supporters. "The toughest element of adjudicating such disputes is that competitive consequences unavoidably punish the fans of the penalized team," he said. However, he also expressed hope that the situation could "lower the temperature" in future negotiations.
In an effort to ensure fair competition, Silver highlighted the league's desire to create a system similar to the NFL, where every team, regardless of market size, could compete for championships. This approach aims to level the playing field and maintain the integrity of the league.
What's confirmed
- The NBA has concluded its investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, resulting in a significant punishment for the franchise. According to reports, the investigation found "a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization," leading to the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks and a $30 million fine.
- Commissioner Adam Silver defended the severity of the punishment, drawing historical precedent from the Minnesota Timberwolves' case in 2000. Silver noted that the Clippers' actions were in line with the league's past decisions, emphasizing the need for "competitive consequences" to ensure fair play across the league.
- Silver's comments came during a two-day Board of Governors meeting in New York City, where he also addressed the Clippers' absence. The franchise was not represented at the meeting due to ongoing issues following Steve Ballmer's suspension. Ballmer issued a statement apologizing for the distraction caused and confirming that the fine had been paid.
- Silver acknowledged that the punishment would be felt most acutely by Clippers supporters. "The toughest element of adjudicating such disputes is that competitive consequences unavoidably punish the fans of the penalized team," he said. However, he also expressed hope that the situation could "lower the temperature" in future negotiations.
- In an effort to ensure fair competition, Silver highlighted the league's desire to create a system similar to the NFL, where every team, regardless of market size, could compete for championships. This approach aims to level the playing field and maintain the integrity of the league.
What's still developing
- "I don't think in any way we've done permanent damage to this franchise, but there's no question this is a setback for the team," Silver said.
- The change in tone led some to wonder if the Clippers were angling to eventually get some of their first-round picks back, as the Minnesota Timberwolves did in the Joe Smith saga in 2000.
- Silver said he spent a "significant amount of time" during this week's meetings with Dundon.
- Here are some of his most notable comments: Earlier this month, the NBA released its findings from a year-long investigation into the Clippers and allegations of salary cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard.
- In a statement issued Sunday, Ballmer said the episode had been deeply difficult for everyone connected to the organization, apologized to fans, employees, and fellow team owners for the distraction it caused, confirmed the fine had already been paid, and committed the Clippers to moving forward without pursuing legal challenges.
- Case closed: Silver says Clippers needed ‘competitive consequences’ | ESPN La Crosse 105.5 You are using an outdated browser.