Los Angeles Clippers News: Turmoil Inside Franchise Stems from New President Gillian Zucker

Longtime Los Angeles Clippers season tickets holder and former ESPN analyst Bill Simmons caused quite a stir with his series of tweets outlining the supposed dysfunction occurring within the organization.

"Steve Ballmer seems like a nice enough guy. Donald Sterling was one of the worst human being who ever owned a pro sports franchise," Simmons began. "With that said - since last summer, the Ballmer Clips have been just as much of disaster behind the scenes as the Sterling Clips were. Ballmer has shown ZERO evidence that he knows what he's doing. And it's been the best kept secret in the NBA for 15-16 months."

That rant was followed by a TMZ Sports report about supposed turmoil stemming from a power struggle between head coach and general manager Doc Rivers and president of business operations Gillian Zucker.

According to the report, several players and key staffers feel that Zucker has not only been stepping on Rivers' toes, but that the executive, who was hired back in November has been causing a divide.

The report carries on, that despite having no NBA experience, Zucker has been inserting herself into things like player development and playing time decisions. One player was reportedly so frustrated with the situation that he chose not re-sign with the Clippers.

Simmons tweeted a link to the TMZ Sports report, then followed that up with another series of tweets.

"Big part of Clippers' behind-the-scenes issues: all the longtime/loyal employees who were fired or quit because of new Prez. Over 10," he began.

"Off earlier Clips tweet: was talking about the president (Gillian Zucker) and the non-basketball side of operations. It's been"¦ chaotic. PS: Not just b/c of firings/layoffs/departures either. ZUcker regime also having issues with the team's sponsors, TV and the NBA itself."

Zucker's background is with NASCAR, where she was president of the Auto Club Speedway for nine years. She also worked for the NFL doing public relations work.