Steve Ballmer blames Aspiration for recent controversy, claims no contact with Kawhi Leonard over matter

Steve Ballmer says LA Clippers had no involvement in Kawhi Leonard contract

Steve Ballmer sat down with Ramona Shelburne of ESPN for an interview to discuss the recent Aspiration controversy.

He claimed that he hadn’t been in contact with Kawhi Leonard since the news broke, and as far as their dealings with Aspiration and Leonard, Ballmer and the Clippers did nothing more than introduce them.

“I have not (spoken to Kawhi Leonard), no. It’s really his business with Aspiration, so I wouldn’t ask about it.

“We, the Clippers, have abided by the salary cap circumvention rules because that’s the right thing to do, and we have done that.

“Let’s talk to the fan: We signed that (extension) with Kawhi before any of this, before Kawhi even knows these people.

“We’ve signed our deal. That’s high integrity. We made our deal with Aspiration. We did things by the book.

“No. I didn’t (tell Aspiration to make a deal with Kawhi Leonard). And more importantly, we, the Clippers, did not. We didn’t give him direction… We made the introduction, and that was that”

Steve Ballmer furious and upset over LA Clippers accusations

Steve Ballmer also expressed his frustration over the situation, and how it casts a negative light on the Clippers organization, staff, players, and fanbase.

“Express, I guess, some of the anger I’m feeling about what’s going on, and I also feel some sadness for our employees.

“I’m mad, but I’m also sad that they’re going through this as well as our staff and our fans.”

The Clippers are going to be investigated by the NBA in the days to come, and should they be found guilty, the punitive damages could be massive.

The NBA could decide to make an example of the Clippers should they find significant evidence of wrongdoing on their part.