According to a recent report, Kawhi Leonard and Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer could be linked to a plan aimed at circumventing the NBA’s salary cap regulations.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that league spokesman Mike Bass confirmed an investigation has been launched. “We are aware of this morning’s media report regarding the LA Clippers and are commencing an investigation,” Bass told ESPN.
The report originated from journalist Pablo Torre on his podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out, where he claimed that Leonard signed a $28 million endorsement deal for a “no-show job” with a fraudulent tree-planting company allegedly funded with $50 million from Clippers owner Ballmer.
In his investigation, Torre noted that Leonard never appeared to publicly promote the company or organize any events on its behalf. He then spoke with a former employee of Ballmer’s company, Aspirations, who provided details about Leonard’s contract.
“It was to circumvent the salary cap,” the former employee told Torre. “The single largest payment to an individual for marketing that Aspirations ever made has completely evaded all press. … He didn’t have to do anything”.
Clippers respond to allegations
Amid the ongoing controversy, the Los Angeles Clippers issued an official statement denying any wrongdoing by the team or its owner, Steve Ballmer, in connection with the company mentioned by Torre.
“Neither Mr. Ballmer nor the Clippers circumvented the salary cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration,” the statement read. “Any contrary assertion is provably false”.
Stephen A. Smith takes a shot at Leonard
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, known for his outspoken commentary, weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that Leonard has a history of capitalizing on opportunities to make money without effort.
“This brother will check the absentee ballot as much as he possibly can throughout his career,” Smith said on ESPN’s First Take. “So, when I saw this report and it said money for doing nothing, I said hmm. That’s what made me pause — not because of Steve Ballmer, not because of the Clippers, because of him”.
“Because if there’s a way for this brother to get money guaranteed without working, that’s what that brother has done. That’s what I’m saying. And I know he’s injured. You have to take your time when you’re injured, but my God, I haven’t seen too many people as gifted in taking time off as Kawhi Leonard,” he concluded.