The Clippers have appointed a temporary successor to their majority owner and CEO, Steve Ballmer.
John Gibson, a lawyer based in Los Angeles, has stepped in as the interim governor and CEO of the franchise.
This change follows Ballmer’s one-year suspension from the NBA. The suspension resulted from an investigation regarding allegations that the team circumvented salary cap rules, particularly concerning former star player Kawhi Leonard. The league reportedly discovered that there were “off-court income opportunities” involving Leonard with four different companies that had dealings with the Clippers.
Gibson is not a stranger to the team; he has been a season-ticket holder for many years. At one point, he was widely recognized as a prominent trial lawyer and litigation partner at DLA Piper in Los Angeles.
He holds degrees from both Harvard University and the University of Michigan Law School.
In his new role, Gibson will manage the basketball and business operations while representing the organization on NBA governance issues.
“I am honored to take on this responsibility and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization I have supported for many years,” Gibson remarked in a statement shared by the Clippers. “The Clippers have talented players, coaches, and staff, an extraordinary home in Intuit Dome, and passionate Clipper Nation fans who, like me, care deeply about this team. My focus will be on supporting our people, providing steady leadership, and helping the organization continue moving forward.”
Gibson’s appointment comes just weeks after the NBA imposed significant penalties following a thorough investigation by the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
Alongside Ballmer’s suspension, the league fined the Clippers $30 million, required them to forfeit five first-round draft picks, and suspended both Gillian Zucker, the president of business operations, for one year, and Lawrence Frank, the president of basketball operations, for six months.
Ballmer released a statement last week indicating that both he and the franchise accept these punishments.
Kawhi Leonard was also impacted, needing to pay $700,000 to the NBA as restitution for benefits deemed improper provided by the Clippers. Additionally, his uncle and former business manager, Dennis Robertson, was banned from NBA-related business activities for five years.
