"Since purchasing the team a decade ago, Ballmer has been on a quest to bring the also-ran Clippers their first NBA title. The billionaire philanthropist has been alternately encouraged and frustrated with a team that has posted a winning record every season under his ownership, but has made early exits from the playoffs a habit. He also spearheaded the construction of the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly arena in sports - the $2-billion Intuit Dome that opened a year ago to rave reviews."
"Now, a top-rated law firm hired by the NBA is trying to determine whether the team violated league rules by funneling extra money to Leonard through a separate company in which the Clippers' owner was an investor. Over the last few weeks, Ballmer has been pressed for details about his $50-million investment and 2%-3% ownership stake in the firm Aspiration Partners, and whether the Clippers knew that the now-defunct company paid millions to Leonard through an endorsement deal."
On the eve of Clippers training camp, the NBA is probing whether the team circumvented the salary cap after a sustainability firm paid Kawhi Leonard $21 million. Ballmer invested $50 million for a 2%-3% stake in Aspiration Partners, prompting questions about whether the Clippers knew the company funneled extra endorsement money to Leonard. The Clippers have forcefully denied wrongdoing and said they welcome the probe. Leonard and his representatives have not commented. Ballmer has been pressed for details but expressed confidence and said the spotlight is unwelcome compared with building the Intuit Dome.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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