Denying any knowledge of a plan to circumvent the NBA’s salary cap, Kawhi Leonard says he regrets any distraction this episode might have caused.
The 35-year-old forward released a statement shortly after the NBA came down with a harsh punishment of the Los Angeles Clippers for willful cap circumvention.
“Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am,” Leonard wrote on Instagram. “I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family.
“I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone’s part to circumvent the salary cap.
“For 15 years, my priority has been giving everything to my family, the game, and those I share the court with. As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the NBA fined the Clippers $30 million, docked the team five first-round picks and suspended club owner Steve Ballmer for one year. President of business operations Gillian Zucker was also issued a one-year ban, while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank received a six-month suspension.
Leonard was ordered to repay $700,000 to the league, while his former manager, Dennis Robertson, has been banned for five years.
A seven-time All-Star, Leonard is expected to be traded back to the Toronto Raptors imminently.
