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Former Los Angeles Clippers trainer Randy Shelton is suing the NBA franchise for wrongful termination after he claims he was fired after speaking up about illegal treatment for star player Kawhi Leonard.
NBA reporter Chris Haynes first broke the news on X on Thursday afternoon and later provided statements from both the team and Shelton’s lawyers.
Former Los Angeles Clippers trainer Randy Shelton is suing the franchise for wrongful termination, among other things, after he claims he was fired after complaining that Kawhi Leonard was being subjected to unsafe and illegal treatment for injuries. pic.twitter.com/qv1vOwhO7l
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 24, 2024
The Clippers, unsurprisingly, state that Shelton’s claims were investigated and proved to be unfounded.
“Mr. Shelton’s claims were investigated and found to be without merit,” they told Haynes. We honored Mr. Shelton’s employment contract and paid him in full. This lawsuit is a belated attempt to shake down the Clippers based on accusations that Mr. Shelton should know are false.”
But Shelton’s representation states otherwise. They also told Haynes that they hope the lawsuit changes the way the organization treats players.
“We hope that our client’s lawsuit will serve as a wakeup call to the Clippers organization that their players are not just dollar values, but are humans requiring proper – and not hastened – health and recovery treatment for the careers and lives afterwards,” a statement to Haynes read.
Leonard, a six-time All-Star, two-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP, has dealt with knee injuries throughout his career.
The 33-year-old left the United States Olympic team roster to deal with recurring knee problems. He remains out for the LA to start the 2024-25 season.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported Wednesday that Leonard isn’t expected back anytime soon.
“I’m told Kawhi Leonard will be missing weeks,” Charania said. “This is not an injury that’s going to be measured by a week, two weeks potentially, not days obviously. This will be an extended period of time that the Clippers are starting this season without him.”
Shelton worked for the Clippers from 2019-21. He currently works for a personal training company named High Voltage Fitness.