In a recent lawsuit against the LA Clippers, former trainer Randy Shelton accuses the team of wrongful termination, claiming he was fired for trying to stop unsafe and illegal medical treatments on star player Kawhi Leonard. Shelton, who worked with Leonard at San Diego State and with the Clippers from 2019 to 2023, alleges that the team disregarded Leonard’s health and safety and tampered with him leading up to his free agency in 2019. The Clippers have denied Shelton’s claims, calling them without merit.
Shelton worked closely with Leonard to strengthen his quad muscles following previous injuries, but Leonard continued to have issues with his right knee and missed significant time due to injuries. The lawsuit also details Leonard’s struggles with injuries since his time with the San Antonio Spurs, including a partially torn right ACL in 2021.
The Clippers adopted a load management strategy for Leonard similar to what he experienced in Toronto, but Leonard continued to face knee issues throughout his time with the team. The lawsuit alleges that Leonard returned prematurely from injury, leading to further setbacks, and ultimately missing key playoff games due to a torn right meniscus.
Leonard’s health remained a concern into the 2023-24 season, with the Clippers implementing restrictions on his playing time and workouts to address ongoing knee issues. Leonard missed several games throughout the season due to various injuries, prompting concerns about his long-term health and ability to play at full strength.
The lawsuit sheds light on the challenges faced by professional athletes in managing injuries and the pressures placed on teams and trainers to balance player health with performance goals. Leonard’s ongoing struggles highlight the complex relationship between player health, team management, and the demands of professional sports.
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