A former strength and conditioning coach for the LA Clippers, Randy Shelton, has filed a lawsuit against the team and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, claiming wrongful termination due to concerns raised about the management of Kawhi Leonard’s health and injuries. Shelton alleges that he was part of a yearslong effort to recruit Leonard, which he believes violated NBA tampering rules.
Shelton joined the Clippers in 2019 after working with Leonard at San Diego State and maintaining a relationship with him as his career flourished with the San Antonio Spurs. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County, seeks unspecified damages and accuses the Clippers of disregarding NBA tampering regulations by pursuing Leonard while he was under contract with the Spurs.
The Clippers have denied the allegations, stating that Shelton’s claims were baseless and that they fulfilled his employment contract. The NBA has stated that they were unaware of the lawsuit.
Shelton’s lawsuit details how the Clippers contacted him in 2017 to gather private health information about Leonard while he was still with the Spurs. Despite assurances from the Clippers that he would have a role on the team’s staff if Leonard joined, Shelton claims that his responsibilities were reduced after Leonard’s arrival.
Leonard, who has suffered multiple injuries throughout his career, including an ACL tear and a ruptured ligament in his ankle, has faced ongoing health issues while with the Clippers. Shelton alleges that the team prioritized Leonard’s productivity over his recovery, leading to further injuries and setbacks.
Despite his health challenges, Leonard has managed to play in a significant number of games for the Clippers, but his availability remains a concern. He has missed a substantial portion of games since joining the team in 2019 and is currently sidelined indefinitely due to knee inflammation.
Shelton’s attorneys hope that the lawsuit will prompt the Clippers to prioritize the health and well-being of their players over financial considerations. They have expressed willingness to cooperate with any investigation into the team’s conduct regarding player health and safety.
The lawsuit sheds light on the complexities of managing player injuries in professional sports and raises questions about the ethical considerations involved in recruiting players from other teams. It underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to league regulations to ensure the fair treatment of all players and staff members in the NBA.
