The NBA has conducted interviews with Kawhi Leonard as part of its continuing probe into allegations that the Los Angeles Clippers violated league salary cap regulations to compensate their star player, according to ESPN’s Friday report.
ESPN also reported that interviews have been conducted with Leonard’s uncle and business adviser Dennis Robertson, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, additional team executives, and leaders from the now-closed company Aspiration.
ESPN contributor Pablo Torre obtained documentation that allegedly bears Kawhi Leonard’s signature from when he joined the Clippers as a free agent. The paperwork indicates the six-time NBA All-Star was set to collect $28 million in cash payments from Aspiration across four years spanning 2022 through 2025, contingent upon his continued employment with the Clippers.
Torre’s investigation revealed that Ballmer provided $50 million in financial backing to the sustainability company Aspiration in 2021. The business has been accused of fraudulent practices, and its co-founder Joseph Sanberg entered a guilty plea in August for deceiving multiple investors. Additionally, the Clippers established a $300 million partnership with Aspiration in September 2021, designating the company as the “first founding partner” of the Intuit Dome.
The league’s investigation has been underway since September, with NBA commissioner Adam Silver stating Wednesday evening before Game 1 of the NBA Finals that the inquiry is approaching a stage where it must be concluded.
Both Ballmer and the Clippers organization have repeatedly rejected any allegations of misconduct.
The NBA’s existing collective bargaining agreement outlines potential sanctions for teams found guilty of salary cap violations, which may include monetary penalties reaching $7.5 million, forfeiture of draft selections, contract nullification, and suspensions for involved team staff members.
ESPN’s reporting suggests other franchises would likely object if the NBA penalizes the Clippers without clear evidence of wrongdoing.
“I certainly hear and read things all the time about the perception of what really happened or didn’t happen here, and I think my only reaction is: I wouldn’t be doing my job if ultimately I issued a determination based on perception,” Silver said Wednesday.
“My job is to follow the facts. What essentially happens here is that the factual report, together with findings, will be made by this independent firm. That’s presented to me. It’s then, ultimately, my role to determine what the appropriate discipline, if any, should be meted out based on their findings.”
