Clippers Call Out Adam Silver Over “Heavily Biased Investigation” As Steve Ballmer Faces Embarrassing NBA Suspension

The LA Clippers are in deep waters after the NBA has concluded its investigation into Kawhi Leonard and team owner Steve Ballmer for circumventing the salary cap. The league found all parties involved guilty, and everyone is set to face their respective consequences. Leonard will pay $700,00 in restitution; Ballmer is suspended for a year, while Gillian Zucker and Lawrence Frank will also face suspension.

While it's only fair for the parties involved to be punished for their crimes, it seems the Clippers organization doesn't view it the same way. NBA insider Marc Stein shared a letter from the Clippers addressed to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, questioning his actions toward Ballmer in particular.

"Almost one year ago today, you announced that the league would be investigating podcast allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers engaged in salary cap circumvention by funneling money to Kawhi Leonard through a 'no-show' contract with a Clippers sponsor, Aspiration," the letter reads.

"In announcing that investigation, you represented that 'due process' and 'a fundamental sense of fairness' would govern the process. You made clear that the 'burden (would be) on the league' to prove any violation through actual evidence, not 'mere appearances.' And you concluded by promising that everyone involved in the investigation would be treated 'the same way I would want to be treated if people were making allegations against me,'" the letter continues.

"Unfortunately, none of those promises have been kept... Mr. Ballmer's reputation has been irreparably damaged as he now finds himself embroiled not only in this heavily biased investigation, but in civil litigation, the Aspiration bankruptcy proceeding, and more."

To be specific, Ballmer is suspended from all league and team activities for a year. It's also likely that he won't receive any revenue or profit from the Clippers while he remains suspended.

Kawhi Leonard Owns Up to His Involvement with Clippers Owner Steve Ballmer

Despite the league finding Kawhi Leonard and Steve Ballmer guilty of circumventing the LA Clippers' salary cap, Leonard surprisingly didn't get suspended. According to reports, Kawhi is now set to be traded to the Toronto Raptors after the investigation has concluded.

Leonard went on Instagram to set the record straight and posted a sincere apology.

"Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am," Leonard wrote. "I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family."

"I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone's part to circumvent the salary cap," Leonard continued.

"For 15 years, my priority has been giving everything to my family, the game, and those I share the court with. As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate," Leonard concluded.

Given the circumstances, it'll be interesting to see what reception Leonard receives when he makes his comeback with the Raptors in October.