Matt Barnes Suggests Clippers Name Change Amid Scandal
Former player Matt Barnes believes the Los Angeles Clippers are cursed and advocates for a team name change following the recent salary cap scandal.
Former Los Angeles Clippers player Matt Barnes has expressed his belief that the franchise is "cursed" and suggested that a name change might be a necessary step for the team, particularly in the wake of a recent salary cap scandal. Barnes revealed that he advised owner Steve Ballmer to change the team's name when Ballmer acquired the franchise in 2014.
"I do think the Clippers are cursed," Barnes told TMZ Sports. "I told [Steve] Ballmer to change the name when he first got here and everyone kind of laughed at me. They definitely need to change the name. This…energy is still on this franchise."
The Clippers are currently navigating the fallout from an NBA investigation into salary cap violations. The league's punishments included the forfeiture of five future first-round draft picks, a $30,000 fine, and a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer. Adding to the team's challenges, it has also reportedly lost its franchise player, Kawhi Leonard.
Amid these difficulties, the team has begun addressing the situation with its fanbase. During the team's media day, interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden issued an apology to the fans.
"Our fans deserve to hear from us before this, and for that we’re sorry," Redden stated. "We’ve been listening to the thoughts, the concerns, and feeling the emotions of our fan base. They mean everything to us. … We hope to fulfill our promises to them, to build their trust and move forward through this time."
Redden added, "This franchise often has done its best work with its back against the wall … We hope to represent our fans the same way we always have in dark times, by coming out fighting."
The Clippers' history has been marked by significant controversies, including the NBA's lifetime ban of former owner Donald Sterling due to racist remarks, which ultimately led to the team's sale to Ballmer. Barnes' suggestion to change the team name revisits a long-standing debate about the franchise's identity and its ability to shed its past.
