After previous statements indicated that Steve Ballmer and the Clippers were considering legal options to challenge the NBA’s findings in their cap circumvention investigation, the embattled owner has announced that he will comply with the ruling and not pursue legal action, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports (via Twitter).

In his report, Charania published a statement from Ballmer in which he was repentent for his role in what is one of the largest franchise penalties in league history.

“I have sincere regrets. I want to apologize to our fans, employees, and my fellow NBA team owners for the distraction and distress this matter has caused, for which I accept responsibility as principal owner,” Ballmer said. “We are committing to put this chapter behind us. We have communicated to the NBA that we are complying with the penalties assessed by the league, have paid the fine, and are moving forward. While there are still disagreements concerning the findings in the report, this is not where I want to focus. Team owners should support, not distract.”

As part of the penalties levied against the Clippers, Ballmer will be suspended from team activities for one year, and several other team executives are facing similar suspensions.

The decision has strategic value, as it begins the penalty process and could open the door for the team to recoup some of its forfeited first-round picks in time, writes Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix (Twitter link).