Clippers owner Steve Ballmer says he was “duped” in Aspiration fraud case
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Los Angeles — Clippers owner Steve Ballmer publicly addressed the Aspiration fraud scandal on Thursday, declaring on X that “I was duped and feel silly about that.”
Ballmer said he invested $60 million in the environmentally focused financial firm about five years ago, attracted by its stated commitment to sustainability. He added that he purchased carbon credits and trees through Aspiration to offset emissions linked to the Clippers, the under-construction Intuit Dome, the Kia Forum and other venues.
The controversy deepened when Aspiration co-founder Joe Sanberg pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Sanberg’s sentencing is set for Monday. Ahead of the hearing, Ballmer submitted a five-page victim-impact statement to the court, describing what he called a pattern of deception that cost him tens of millions of dollars and harmed his reputation.
In the filing, Ballmer labeled himself “a clear and undisputed victim.” He also cited a $300 million partnership agreement between Aspiration and the Clippers that collapsed as the company’s promises unraveled.
The scandal has drawn additional scrutiny. Journalist Pablo Torre previously questioned whether Aspiration funneled payments connected to star forward Kawhi Leonard, claims Ballmer dismissed in his letter as “gossip.” The NBA has opened its own investigation, which remains ongoing. Ballmer said he welcomes the league review but cast doubt on Sanberg’s cooperation, suggesting it may be aimed at securing a lighter sentence.
With the sentencing date approaching, Ballmer told the court he “trusted the wrong person and paid the price,” stressing that the financial losses were compounded by damage to his standing in business and sports circles.
Source: Hoops Wire
