Adam Silver says NBA needs clear evidence Clippers made secret deal before lowering boom on Ballmer

""The burden is on the league if we are going to discipline a team, an owner, a player or any constituent members of the league," Silver said. "I think, as with any process that requires a fundamental sense of fairness, the burden should be on the party that is, in essence, bringing those charges. ... "I think as a matter of fundamental fairness, I would be reluctant to act if there was sort of a mere appearance of impropriety.""

"The Clippers and Ballmer are under league investigation after it was alleged last week on the podcast of Pablo Torre that Leonard was paid $28 million for a do-nothing endorsement role by Aspiration, a sustainability firm that had agreed to a $330-million sponsorship deal with the Clippers and had offered $1 billion for naming rights to the arena that instead became the Intuit Dome."

"Silver said he would hesitate to take action against the Clippers if even a shred of doubt about the situation remains following the investigation, which will be conducted by a law firm experienced in probing wrongdoing by sports franchises, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz. "Bringing in a firm that specializes in internal investigations adds a level of expertise and creates separation between the league and the investigation of a team," said Michael McCann, a sports law expert and a visiting professor at Harvard."

Adam Silver said the league will require clear evidence before disciplining the Clippers, owner Steve Ballmer, or any constituents over alleged salary-cap circumvention. The Clippers and Ballmer face an investigation after claims that Kawhi Leonard received $28 million from Aspiration for a do-nothing endorsement tied to a $330-million sponsorship and a $1 billion arena naming-rights offer. Aspiration was fraudulent and co-founder Joseph Sanberg agreed to plead guilty to defrauding investors. The league has hired Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to conduct the probe. Experts say bringing an independent law firm adds expertise and separation.

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