Clippers refute ex-trainer's claims, deny Kawhi had 'illegal treatment'

The Los Angeles Clippers refuted allegations made by former trainer Randy Shelton regarding their handling of Kawhi Leonard, according to court documents obtained by ESPN's Baxter Holmes.

Shelton said he was fired after complaining to the club that Kawhi Leonard was subjected to illegal treatment for his knee injury. He also claimed that L.A. violated NBA tampering rules prior to signing Leonard.

"(Shelton's) claims are frivolous: There was no 'tampering' before the Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard," the organization responded in a filing Thursday. "The Clippers did not provide 'illegal treatment' to Mr. Leonard. And (Shelton) was not terminated in 'retaliation' for anything. The court should not be fooled."

Shelton sued the Clippers in Los Angeles County Superior Court in October, alleging that he was wrongfully terminated after voicing concerns about Leonard's health.

He made several claims in the suit, saying the Clippers' alleged tampering violations "leapt well beyond the bounds of the NBA constitution," and that the team mishandled Leonard's injury, as well as his recovery. Shelton alleged that the club withheld information from him about Leonard and reduced his role within the organization after he raised his concerns.

However, the Clippers claimed Thursday that Shelton requested millions from the club but then filed his suit after they refused. They also said his employment was terminated in July 2023 after he offered unapproved and unsolicited medical advice to the players.

"(Shelton) took it upon himself to render advice to those who had not sought it and that he was not qualified to give," the organization said. "For example, he recommended medical procedures, such as blood-flow restriction, without having any medical training, knowing the players' condition, or consulting with his supervisors or the team doctors.

"His unauthorized conduct disrupted relationships between the players, their trainers, and the team, and put the players' health and well-being at risk."

Shelton joined the Clippers in July 2019 shortly after Leonard signed as a free agent. He worked in a similar capacity at San Diego State during Leonard's time at the school.

The Clippers said they continued to pay Shelton's salary in full through June 2024 after his termination.

The team is requesting for the suit to be settled by arbitration.