![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/5954495434d00f29a8cff07ad55aefc660bd724574e470b9e244fa7318270d5b-300x200.jpg\")
FILE – Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer sits on the sideline before an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls on March 13, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo\/Ryan Sun, File)INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) \u2014 The Los Angeles Clippers hired John S. Gibson as interim CEO and governor on Monday, taking over the roles previously held by team owner Steve Ballmer<\/a>, who is serving a one-year ban by the NBA.\nBallmer recently said he won\u2019t fight<\/a> the league\u2019s salary cap circumvention punishment in a reversal of the team\u2019s initial defiance and vow to fight against what it called \u201ca heavily biased investigation.\u201d
\nThe league suspended Ballmer for one year, fined the team $30 million and forced it to forfeit five first-round draft picks. Ballmer said the team has paid the fine.
\nGibson will immediately oversee the team\u2019s basketball and business operations and represent the Clippers in league voting matters. He\u2019s a long-time Clippers season ticketholder.
\n\u201cI am honored to take on this responsibility and grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization I have supported for many years,\u201d Gibson said in a statement. \u201cMy focus will be on supporting our people, providing steady leadership, and helping the organization continue moving forward.\u201d
\nGibson spent the last six years as a trial lawyer and litigation partner at DLA Piper in Los Angeles, where he co-chaired the firm\u2019s U.S. Business & Commercial Litigation practice. He previously advised and represented major corporations, technology and health care companies, pro sports organizations and business leaders.
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