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Kawhi Leonard has been interviewed as the NBA intensifies its investigation into allegations the Clippers circumvented salary-cap rules through off-book payments.
LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (AFP)
The NBA’s long-running investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers’ alleged salary-cap circumvention has reached a critical stage, with star forward Kawhi Leonard among the latest figures to be interviewed, according to ESPN.
The probe, which has been ongoing since September, centres on allegations that Leonard may have been promised millions of dollars in payments outside his official NBA contract while playing for the Clippers.
According to ESPN, the league has interviewed Leonard, his uncle and longtime adviser Dennis Robertson, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, several team executives and individuals connected to Aspiration, a sustainability company that is no longer operating.
Alleged $28 Million Agreement
At the heart of the investigation is a document reportedly obtained by journalist Pablo Torre and signed by Leonard.
The document allegedly outlined payments worth $28 million from Aspiration to Leonard over a four-year period between 2022 and 2025, provided he remained a Clippers player.
The allegations have drawn increased scrutiny because Ballmer reportedly invested $50 million in Aspiration in 2021. Later that year, the Clippers entered into a $300 million commercial partnership with the company, making it the first founding partner of the Intuit Dome.
Aspiration has since faced significant legal troubles. Co-founder Joseph Sanberg agreed to plead guilty last year in a fraud case involving multiple investors.
Clippers Deny Wrongdoing
Throughout the investigation, the Clippers organisation and Ballmer have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The NBA has not publicly indicated whether it believes rules were broken, but commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged this week that the league is approaching the final stages of the process.
Speaking ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Silver stressed that any decision would be based on evidence rather than speculation.
“I wouldn’t be doing my job if ultimately I issued a determination based on perception,” Silver said.
“My job is to follow the facts.”
Silver explained that an independent firm is compiling a factual report and recommendations, which will then be presented to him before any disciplinary decision is made.
What Penalties Could The Clippers Face?
Under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, teams found guilty of circumventing salary-cap rules can face severe sanctions.
Potential punishments include fines of up to $7.5 million, loss of draft picks, suspension of team personnel and even the voiding of a player’s contract.
However, ESPN reported that many around the league believe any punishment would require clear and compelling evidence, with rival franchises expected to push back against sanctions based solely on circumstantial links.
(with agency inputs)
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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