The NBA has fined the Los Angeles Clippers $30 million and stripped the franchise of five first-round draft picks for breaking league rules. An independent investigation uncovered systemic violations involving illegal income offered to Kawhi Leonard and the covering of his personal expenses. As a result, owner Steve Ballmer and president of business operations Gillian Zucker have been barred from club activity for one year, while the player himself was ordered to pay $700,000. The punishment is unprecedented. League commissioner Adam Silver said: "The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations." Although the parties ultimately accepted the sanctions, the investigation continues in pursuit of further information. This harshest ruling in league history establishes a new standard, one in which compliance with the rules stands above any sporting or financial ambition.