The once rudderless Los Angeles Clippers have direction again.
The Clippers have named Los Angeles-based lawyer John Gibson as the franchise’s interim governor and CEO, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Monday.
Steve Ballmer nominated Gibson and the NBA approved him, Charania added.
"I am honoured to take on this responsibility and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization I have supported for many years,” Gibson said in a statement. “My focus will be on supporting our people, providing steady leadership, and helping the organization continue moving forward.”
Gibson spent the last six years as a trial lawyer and litigation partner at DLA Piper in Los Angeles, where he co-chaired the firm's U.S. Business & Commercial Litigation practice. He previously advised and represented major corporations, technology and health care companies, pro sports organizations and business leaders.
Earlier this month, Ballmer and the president of business operations, Gillian Zucker, were each suspended for one year for their roles in the Clippers' salary-cap circumvention through four companies, including now-bankrupt environmental bank Aspiration.
President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months.
The NBA also stripped the Clippers of five first-round picks from 2029 through 2033 and fined the team $30 million, among other punishments, after an independent investigation found a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations.
Kawhi Leonard received a $700,000 fine for his role in the scandal.
“While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus,” Ballmer said. “Team owners should support, not distract.”
Ballmer apologized to Clippers fans, employees and his fellow owners for the “distraction and distress” caused by the investigation.
“This has been a very difficult time for everybody associated with the Clippers, and for that, I have sincere regrets,” he wrote. “I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner.”
-- With files from the Associated Press
