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Ramona Shelburne
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Ramona Shelburne
ESPN Senior Writer
- Senior writer for ESPN.com
- Spent seven years at the Los Angeles Daily News
A former strength and conditioning coach for the LA Clippers has filed a lawsuit against the team and its president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank. He claims that he was wrongfully terminated after expressing concerns regarding the management of Kawhi Leonard‘s injuries and health. Shelton asserts that he was hired in 2019 as part of an extensive effort to attract Leonard to the team.
The lawsuit, of which ESPN has obtained a copy, was filed on Thursday in Los Angeles County through Shelton’s legal representatives. Shelton joined the Clippers on July 1, 2019, after previously serving in a similar capacity at San Diego State, where he worked with Leonard before Leonard was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2011.
He alleges that the Clippers were engaged in a multi-year initiative to sign Leonard that “exceeded the limits of the NBA constitution,” suggesting potential violations regarding tampering.
Shelton is pursuing ”significant” yet unspecified damages at trial, according to his attorneys as reported to ESPN.
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The Clippers have issued a statement rejecting the claims made in the lawsuit.
“Mr. Shelton’s allegations were investigated and deemed to lack merit. We fully honored Mr. Shelton’s employment contract and compensated him in total,” the team stated. “This lawsuit is a delayed attempt to extort the Clippers based on accusations that Mr. Shelton should recognize as untrue.”
Additionally, through a representative, the NBA mentioned that it was not aware of the lawsuit.
Shelton claims in the lawsuit that the Clippers first reached out to him in 2017, following Leonard’s severe ankle injury sustained during Game 1 of the 2017 Western Conference finals against the Golden State Warriors.
This injury forced Leonard to miss the remainder of that postseason and sidelined him for the first 27 games of the subsequent season due to a right quadriceps injury. Leonard’s recovery period led to tensions with the Spurs, prompting him to seek an external medical opinion.
Starting in 2017, while Leonard was still under contract with the Spurs, Shelton alleges that a Clippers executive contacted him to inquire about Leonard’s “private health information” and emphasized the importance of “discretion.” The two reportedly engaged in around 15 phone conversations and held at least seven meetings as the Clippers attempted to gather more information regarding Leonard’s contractual commitments with the Spurs and his health status.
In June 2018, Spurs president RC Buford acknowledged the franchise’s openness to “explore all of our options” as dissatisfaction grew between Leonard and the team.
The Clippers were among the teams interested in acquiring Leonard; however, he was eventually traded to the Toronto Raptors in July 2018, leading that franchise to its first championship in 2019. After that season, Leonard became an unrestricted free agent.
In his discussions, Shelton stated that the Clippers executive “explored the possibility of bringing Shelton into the Clippers’ organization as
As a strength and conditioning coach, Shelton gained Leonard’s trust during their personal relationship.
After Leonard departed from San Diego State, Shelton stated that Leonard hired him to assist in his preparation for the NBA, and they continued their relationship until 2017 while Leonard’s fame grew with the Spurs, where he secured a championship in 2014, earning Finals MVP accolades.
Shelton claims that the Clippers’ recruitment efforts disregarded the NBA’s rules against tampering. Article 35 of the NBA’s constitution explicitly prohibits teams from “directly or indirectly” trying to persuade players contracted with one team to switch to another.
Kawhi Leonard, who is sidelined at the start of the 2024-25 season, has missed 179 out of 435 potential games since joining the Clippers in 2019. Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today Sports
Shelton expressed that he was “promised a bright future with the Clippers,” mentioning that he had a successful business in San Diego and held a “respected position with San Diego State” at that time.
During the 2018-19 season, numerous Clippers personnel attended Leonard’s games in Toronto, and in May 2019, the NBA fined the team $50,000 due to comments made by then-Coach Doc Rivers, who compared Leonard to Michael Jordan.
When the Clippers finalized Leonard’s signing in July 2019, Frank stated at an introductory press conference, “We never had a conversation with Kawhi or with any of his people. We always felt that by doing it publicly, we were being very transparent. We understand the rules and comply with them. With how [Clippers owner Steve Ballmer] operates, integrity is paramount. We will always stay above board.”
However, around February 2019, Shelton recounted meeting Frank in San Diego, where Frank “personally assured” him that he would be included in the team’s strength and conditioning staff if Leonard joined the Clippers. Shelton claimed to have met with Clippers representatives again during the Raptors’ playoff run to discuss Leonard’s potential move to the team.
The Clippers officially hired Shelton in July 2019. Shortly after he joined, Shelton reported that his responsibilities were reduced, he was excluded from meetings, and he was not provided crucial information regarding Leonard’s health.
Leonard sustained an ACL tear in his right knee during the second round of the 2021 playoffs, underwent surgery in July 2021, and missed the entire 2021-22 NBA season.
Shelton believed that the recovery timeline for Leonard, who “has dealt with various injuries in the past,” should have been 730 days, but the Clippers deemed that timeline “unacceptable.”
In an August 2022 meeting with the Clippers’ medical staff, Shelton reported that they agreed to implement load management for Leonard, which included restricting him from participating in back-to-back games and limiting his minutes during recovery.
Leonard returned to play in October 2022, 16 months after his injury, but he experienced swelling and inflammation after just two games. He missed 12 games in the opening weeks of the season due to knee complications and later suffered two ruptured ligaments in his right ankle on November 21, 2022, causing him to miss six more games early in the season.
Later in that season, Leonard tore his right meniscus during a playoff series against the Phoenix Suns. Following that injury, Shelton stated that he filed a complaint with Frank regarding his reduced role and how the team managed Leonard’s health. In his complaint, he expressed that the “mishandling of Kawhi Leonard’s injury and return-to-play protocol has been mind-blowing” and criticized the “disregard for his recovery process as unacceptable.” Shelton also asserted that the Clippers prioritized Leonard’s performance over his recovery.
The day after his complaint, Frank replied, indicating, “We take your concerns very seriously and will initiate an investigation promptly.”
According to Shelton, his allegations were deemed unsubstantiated, and Frank terminated him without cause in July 2023. Shelton reported that he was not compensated for owed wages, including expenses and reimbursements.
“We aspire for our client’s lawsuit to act as a wake-up call to the Clippers organization, reminding them that their players are not mere dollar figures but individuals deserving of proper—and not rushed—health and recovery treatment for their careers and lives beyond,” John David, one of Shelton’s attorneys, said in a statement to ESPN.
Shelton’s attorneys also mentioned that their client is willing to cooperate with any investigations regarding the Clippers’ actions.
In the previous season, Leonard participated in 68 regular-season games, marking his highest total since the 2016-17 season. He averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals, earning himself a sixth All-Star selection.
However, his health continues to be a significant concern.
Since joining the Clippers in 2019, Leonard has been absent for 179 out of 435 possible games. As the new season begins, he is still sidelined indefinitely due to ongoing rehabilitation for inflammation in his right knee.
Former Clippers Coach Sues Team Over Alleged Improper Treatment of Kawhi Leonard’s Health and Wrongful Termination
Background of the Case
In a surprising turn of events, the NBA community is abuzz with news regarding the former Los Angeles Clippers head coach, who has filed a lawsuit against the organization. The lawsuit centers around allegations of improper treatment concerning star player Kawhi Leonard’s health and claims of wrongful termination.
Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA champion and multiple-time All-Star, has been a pivotal figure for the Clippers since joining the team in 2019. However, Leonard’s health issues, particularly related to his knee, have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about player management within the franchise.
Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit, which has garnered significant media attention, details several key allegations, including:
- Negligent Medical Decisions: The former coach asserts that the Clippers’ medical staff made questionable decisions regarding Leonard’s treatment and rehabilitation.
- Pressure to Play: The coach claims he faced pressure from upper management to allow Leonard to play before he was fully healed, compromising his long-term health.
- Retaliation and Wrongful Termination: Following his objections to the team’s handling of Leonard’s situation, the coach alleges that he was wrongfully terminated from his position.
Impact on Kawhi Leonard’s Career
Kawhi Leonard’s health has been a topic of discussion since his early career. His history of injuries has prompted various conversations regarding the management of player health within NBA teams. These recent allegations have raised concerns about the impact of such decisions on a player’s future and overall performance.
A Closer Look at Kawhi Leonard’s Injury History
Leonard’s injury history includes:
| Season | Injury | Games Missed |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-2018 | Quad injury | 73 |
| 2020-2021 | ACL injury | 31 |
| 2021-2022 | Post-surgery recovery | 82 |
This injury history has inevitably influenced how both fans and analysts perceive the Clippers’ management decisions regarding Leonard’s playing time.
The Legal Implications
The lawsuit against the Clippers isn’t merely about one coach’s grievances; it could set a precedent for how organizations handle player health and management disputes.
Potential Outcomes of the Lawsuit
Depending on the court’s findings, several outcomes might emerge:
- Financial Compensation: If the coach proves his case, he could receive significant financial compensation for his wrongful termination.
- Policy Changes: The Clippers may be prompted to review their policies regarding player health management and medical decision-making.
- Impact on Future Contracts: The lawsuit could influence how future contracts are drafted concerning coaches and player health responsibilities.
Case Studies of Similar Situations
This case is not isolated. It recalls several instances where coaches and franchises faced off over player health management.
Case Study 1: The San Antonio Spurs
In the 2017 playoffs, the Spurs were criticized for how they handled Leonard’s injury, leading to discussions about player autonomy and medical transparency.
Case Study 2: The Philadelphia 76ers
The “Process” era with the 76ers raised eyebrows regarding the handling of injuries and the expectations placed on players, often leading to backlash against management.
Expert Opinions
Health professionals and sports analysts have weighed in on the matter, emphasizing the importance of ethical treatment in sports.
Importance of Ethical Treatment in Sports
Sports health professionals argue that:
- Player Health Comes First: Ensuring the long-term health of players should be prioritized over short-term gains.
- Transparency is Key: Open communication between coaches, management, and medical staff is crucial to maintain trust.
Experts suggest that the findings of this lawsuit could lead to wider scrutiny across the NBA and possibly inspire changes in how organizations manage player health.
What This Means for the NBA
The implications of this lawsuit are far-reaching. It raises essential questions about the power dynamics between coaches, players, and management teams within the NBA.
Potential Reforms
Should the former coach win the lawsuit, we might see:
– **Revised Health Policies:** Teams may be mandated to adopt clearer protocols for handling player injuries.
– **Increased Accountability:** Coaches and medical staff may be held accountable for their decisions regarding player health.
– **Stricter Guidelines:** The NBA could introduce stricter guidelines surrounding the management of player injuries.
How Fans Can Get Involved
For fans who are passionate about player health and ethical treatment in sports, there are several ways to get involved:
- Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the health policies of your favorite teams.
- Advocate for Change: Support organizations dedicated to player welfare.
- Participate in Discussions: Engage in conversations about player health on social media platforms.
Final Thoughts
The lawsuit from the former Clippers coach against the team provides a critical lens through which to examine the intersection of player health and management practices in the NBA. With significant implications for the league, the outcome of this case could lead to meaningful changes in how player health is prioritized across all franchises. As discussions unfold, fans, analysts, and players alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this case shapes the future of player management in professional basketball.
