Steve Ballmer Goes Bonkers During LA Clippers Introduction True to his ways, the former Microsoft CEO knows how to get the crowd riled up.

By Jason Fell

Screaming at the top of his lungs. Pacing. Sweating. Fist pumping. Jumping up and down. Excited and confused looks from everyone in the room.

That was the scene last night when former Microsoft top executive Steve Ballmer took the stage as the new owner of the LA Clippers basketball team.

Related: Steve Ballmer's Next 'Window' of Opportunity: L.A. Clippers Owner

"We're going to be hard core," Ballmer hollered. "HARD CORE! HARD CORE! We're going to get better every day. We're going to be tenacious. Something knocks us down, we're gonna get back up. We're going to keep coming and coming and coming and coming and coming! Did you watch these guys? That was hard core, HARD CORE, baby!

"Nothing gets in our way," he continued. "BOOM! Keep coming, hard core. The hard-core Clippers. That's us!" Then Ballmer told everyone his Clippers email address.

Talk about a motivational speech, eh? Here's an Instagram video of Ballmer getting the crowd riled up:

If you're familiar with Ballmer's long tenure at the top of Microsoft, then you know he's prone to overenthusiasm when it comes to speaking publicly. Apparently the same goes with the Clippers.

Here are some of Ballmer's most awkwardly hilarious moments from his days at Microsoft.

Related: 3 Life Lessons From Steve Ballmer's Rousing Graduation Speech

Jason Fell

Entrepreneur Staff

VP, Native Content

Jason Fell is the VP of Native Content, managing the Entrepreneur Partner Studio, which creates dynamic and compelling content for our partners. He previously served as Entrepreneur.com's managing editor and as the technology editor prior to that.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

She Quit Her Job at Trader Joe's After Starting a Side Hustle With $800 — Then She and Her Brother Grew the Business to $20 Million

Jaime Holm and Matt Hannula teamed up to build a business in an industry that "didn't exist" yet.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Growing a Business

This Local Bakery Has Lines Out the Door. Here Are the Secrets to Its Success.

Known for its viral flat croissants and innovative desserts, Alexander's Patisserie also excels in hands-on leadership and team culture.

Business News

Microsoft Is Laying Off Over 6,000 Employees, About 3% of Its Workforce. Here's Why.

The company said the cuts will affect all divisions and locations, with a focus on managers.

Business News

Nissan Is Doubling Its Initial Layoff Announcement, Cutting 20,000 Jobs: 'A Wake-Up Call'

The automaker is dealing with slowing sales and a recent failed merger with Honda.