Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is being called out by one of the Clipper Girls ... who says the dance squad deserves a serious RAISE ... especially since the billionaire can afford it!
Athena Perample -- who also stars on the "L.A. Clippers Dance Squad" reality show -- was leaving Craig's last night when we asked if NBA cheerleaders to better than their NFL counterparts.
That's when Athena took a stand -- saying it's time for ALL professional team dancers and cheerleaders to start getting paid better ... especially with SO much money in pro sports.