Kawhi Leonard rejects no-show accusations tied to failed sponsor Aspiration
kawhi-leonard-denies-no-show-aspiration-allegations
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard said Monday that claims he collected money without doing any work for Aspiration, the bankrupt green-banking firm that once sponsored the team, “are not accurate.”
Speaking at Clippers media day, Leonard told reporters he understood the requirements of his endorsement agreement and dismissed the controversy, which was first detailed on the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast. “I don’t deal with conspiracies or clickbait journalism,” he said.
ESPN asked Leonard whether he had provided any services under what the podcast described as a four-year, $28 million deal. “I don’t think it’s accurate,” Leonard replied. “But it’s old. This is all new to you guys. The company went bankrupt a while ago.”
NBA investigation
The league has opened an inquiry into whether Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and the organization violated salary-cap rules. Ballmer and minority owner Dennis Wong were investors in Aspiration, raising questions about possible circumvention of cap regulations.
Ballmer told ESPN he introduced Leonard to Aspiration in November 2021, three months after the forward signed a four-year, $173 million extension while rehabbing a torn knee ligament. Two months earlier, the Clippers had announced a $300 million partnership with the company that covered arena naming rights elements and a jersey patch.
NBA rules permit teams to connect players with sponsors but prohibit involvement in subsequent contract talks. Ballmer said he did not know the specifics of Leonard’s endorsement and called Aspiration’s executives “guys who committed fraud.”
Bankruptcy fallout
Court filings list Leonard among Aspiration’s largest creditors, stating the company still owes him $7 million. Asked Monday how much he actually received, Leonard said, “It was more than that for sure,” adding that he has not been fully paid because the firm “went belly-up.” Reports from the Boston Sports Journal and Torre’s podcast have also indicated Leonard was granted $20 million in company stock.
Leonard said he welcomes the NBA review. “The NBA is going to do their job,” he stated. “None of us did no wrongdoing. … It’s not going to be a distraction for me or the rest of the team.”
Source: ESPN
