John Gibson Named Interim Governor and CEO of LA Clippers
Gibson will oversee the team's operations during owner Steve Ballmer's one-year suspension.
John Gibson, a Los Angeles-based lawyer, has been appointed as the interim governor and CEO of the LA Clippers. This appointment follows the NBA's one-year suspension of majority owner and CEO Steve Ballmer.
Ballmer's suspension stems from an NBA investigation into the franchise's alleged salary cap circumvention involving former star forward Kawhi Leonard. The investigation concluded that the league facilitated "off-court income opportunities" for Leonard through four companies that also conducted business with the Clippers.
Gibson, a long-time season-ticket holder for the Clippers, previously served as a litigation partner at DLA Piper in Los Angeles. He holds degrees from Harvard University and the University of Michigan Law School.
In his interim role, Gibson will be responsible for overseeing the basketball and business operations of the Clippers and will represent the organization in NBA governance matters. "I am honored to take on this responsibility and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization I have supported for many years," Gibson stated. "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."
The NBA's sanctions against the Clippers, announced nearly three weeks prior, also included a $30 million fine, the forfeiture of five first-round picks, and one-year suspensions for president of business operations Gillian Zucker and six-month suspensions for president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. Ballmer has stated that he and the franchise accept these penalties.
Additionally, Kawhi Leonard was fined $700,000 for restitution regarding improper benefits received from the Clippers, and his former business manager and uncle, Dennis Robertson, has been banned from NBA business dealings for five years.