Clippers appoint John Gibson as interim governor and CEO during Ballmer's suspension
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 5:16 PM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026
The Los Angeles Clippers named lawyer John Gibson as their interim governor and CEO on September 21, 2026, following owner Steve Ballmer's one-year suspension. This suspension arises from an investigation into Ballmer's involvement in helping Kawhi Leonard secure off-court income opportunities, violating NBA salary cap regulations. Ballmer also faces a $30 million fine for providing Leonard with impermissible benefits. Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month suspension without pay as part of the investigation outcomes.
- •John Gibson appointed interim governor and CEO of Clippers.
- •Steve Ballmer suspended for one year for salary cap violations.
- •Ballmer fined $30 million for providing impermissible benefits.
- •Lawrence Frank received a six-month suspension without pay.
- 6:11 PMESPN — Clippers name lawyer John Gibson interim governor, source says
- 4:31 PMYahoo Sports — Clippers reportedly name lawyer John Gibson as interim governor, CEO amid Steve Ballmer's suspension for Kawhi Leonard scandal
"Los Angeles-based trial lawyer John Gibson will serve as the Clippers' interim governor, a source told ESPN's Shams Charania. He will take over for Steve Ballmer, who has been suspended one year following an investigation into salary cap circumvention.
"The Clippers have named a temporary governor and CEO in the absence of now-suspended Steve Ballmer.
Sources
External links- ESPNSep 21, 2026, 6:11 PMClippers name lawyer John Gibson interim governor, source says
Los Angeles-based trial lawyer John Gibson will serve as the Clippers' interim governor, a source told ESPN's Shams Charania. He will take over for Steve Ballmer, who has been suspended one year following an investigation into salary cap circumvention.
- Yahoo SportsSep 21, 2026, 4:31 PMClippers reportedly name lawyer John Gibson as interim governor, CEO amid Steve Ballmer's suspension for Kawhi Leonard scandal
The Clippers have named a temporary governor and CEO in the absence of now-suspended Steve Ballmer.
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