The LA Clippers opened media day on Monday by apologizing to fans in the wake of an NBA salary cap circumvention investigation that levied stiff penalties on the organization. With owner Steve Ballmer, president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank and president of business operations Gillian Zucker all serving league-mandated suspensions, interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden said the organization was committed to regaining the trust of their fanbase.

"Our fans deserve to hear from us before this, and for that we're sorry," Redden said. "We've been listening to the thoughts, the concerns, and feeling the emotions of our fan base." The Clippers announced last week that John S. Gibson, a Los Angeles area lawyer, would serve as the organization's interim governor during Ballmer's yearlong suspension.

The NBA's investigation concluded that the Clippers broke league rules by arranging endorsement opportunities for All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard, who was traded to the Toronto Raptors earlier this month. In addition to the suspensions, the Clippers were forced to pay a $30 million fine and forfeit five first-round picks. The Clippers initially "rejected the NBA's findings" when the investigation's results were released in August, but Ballmer eventually changed course and said he would accept the league's punishments.

Coach Ty Lue said he remains committed to the Clippers and is "loyal to the end" to Ballmer. The Clippers appear headed for a rebuilding season after trading Leonard for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick and draft assets. Redden said Monday that Ingram will miss the start of the season as he recovers from a May surgery to address a right heel injury and a partially torn Achilles tendon.