It's a complaint that will make noise, and which the Clippers would have done without. Because while Kawhi Leonard is currently in the infirmary, his former personal fitness trainer is in charge of Steve Ballmer's franchise.
To begin with, Randy Shelton explains that he was at the heart of the Clippers' seduction operation, in order to sign “The Klaw” in 2019. Close to the winger since his time at San Diego State, where he officiatedhe thus claims to have been contacted in 2017 by the Clippers, in order to obtain information on the health of Kawhi Leonard, while relations deteriorated between the player and the Spurs, following his injuries.
In fact, Randy Shelton joined the Clippers as soon as Kawhi Leonard signed with the team. Except that he assures in his complaint that he was quickly kept away from important decisions, in particular those concerning “The Klaw”.
The Clippers deny outright
He argues that the Los Angeles franchise mismanaged the player's injuries, accelerating his return to play despite the risks. However, he explains that he expressed his fears on the subject to Lawrence Frank, without having been listened to. In July 2023, the Clippers ended up firing him, and that is why he is now filing a complaint.
He is thus claiming a “significant” sum, unpaid salaries as well as unreimbursed fees and expenses.
“We hope our client's lawsuit reminds the Clippers that their players are not just monetary values, but human beings who need adequate – not rushed – health and recovery programs for their careers and their lives. more », Randy Shelton's lawyers say.
On the Clippers side, we completely deny both “tampering” and poor injury management.
“Mr. Shelton’s claims were investigated and found to be without merit. We have honored Mr. Shelton's employment contract and paid him in full”answers the franchise. “This lawsuit is a late attempt to undermine the Clippers based on accusations that Mr. Shelton knows are false. »
