CBA Lets NBA Discipline Clippers on Circumstantial Evidence, Despite Silver’s Remarks
nba-discipline-clippers-circumstantial-evidence
Commissioner Adam Silver told reporters that the NBA must establish definitive proof before penalizing the Los Angeles Clippers over alleged salary-cap circumvention tied to Kawhi Leonard’s endorsement deal with financial firm Aspiration. However, the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) permits sanctions based solely on circumstantial evidence, according to Article XIII, “Circumvention.”
The clause states that the NBA can levy penalties when direct or circumstantial evidence indicates an attempt to bypass the salary cap. League insiders note that several rival front offices believe the existing information already meets that threshold.
Key details cited by executives include Leonard’s $28 million endorsement arrangement with Aspiration, which required no binding promotional duties; a $50 million personal investment in the company by Clippers governor Steve Ballmer; and industry estimates indicating Leonard’s compensation far exceeded typical market rates for similar deals.
Observers argue that, taken together, those elements present the appearance of cap circumvention even without documented agreements connecting the parties. Despite Silver’s public reluctance to punish teams on “the mere appearance of impropriety,” the CBA language gives the league authority to act if it deems the circumstantial evidence sufficient.
For now, the NBA continues its investigation into the Leonard-Aspiration arrangement while rival clubs watch closely to see whether the commissioner will invoke the CBA provision or insist on further proof.
Source: Hoops Wire
