Kawhi Leonard addressed reporters on Monday for the first time since the NBA launched an investigation into his endorsement agreement with defunct California firm Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, insisting neither he nor the Los Angeles Clippers violated league rules.
“The NBA is going to do their job,” the forward said during the team’s media day. “None of us did no wrongdoing and that’s it. It’s not going to be a distraction for me or the rest of the team.”
The investigation
The league hired an outside firm earlier this month after a Pablo Torre Finds Out report alleged the Clippers skirted salary-cap regulations through a $28 million endorsement contract between Leonard and Aspiration. The sustainability-focused company, once promoted as a major team partner, has since filed for bankruptcy protection.
Leonard told reporters Aspiration still owes him “roughly $7 million,” adding, “I’ve got to look back at the books, but it was more than that, for sure.” Asked whether he ever received full payment, he replied, “Uh, no, but the company went belly up. It was fraud as everyone knows.”
He dismissed claims that he provided no services in return for the money. “I don’t think it’s accurate,” Leonard said. “This is all new to you guys. The company went bankrupt a while ago, so we already knew this was going to happen.”
Clippers’ response
President of basketball operations Lawrence Frank read a prepared statement defending the organization. “We’re eager for the truth to come out,” he said. “The assumptions and conclusions that have been made are disappointing and upsetting, and we expect the investigation will show that these allegations are wrong.”
Frank called owner Steve Ballmer—who invested $50 million in Aspiration—“one of the best and most honorable people I’ve ever met,” and reiterated the club’s commitment to following league rules. The Clippers had announced a $300 million partnership with Aspiration in 2021, roughly one month after Leonard signed a four-year, $176 million extension.
Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg agreed in August to plead guilty to federal wire-fraud charges after prosecutors said he defrauded investors and lenders of $248 million. “Let’s not forget,” Frank noted, “this was a case of widespread fraud and there were a lot of different victims.”
Possible penalties
The league’s collective bargaining agreement allows for fines up to $7.5 million, the voiding of contracts, and the loss of future draft picks if cap circumvention is proven. Leonard’s uncle, Dennis Robertson, is under scrutiny for his role in the endorsement arrangement. Frank said, “Dennis knows the rules, Kawhi knows the rules, Mitch Frankel knows the rules and we know the rules,” referring to Leonard’s agent.
Leonard said he is focused on basketball as training camp opens Tuesday at the Clippers’ new Intuit Dome. “I don’t read headlines or new conspiracy theories or anything like that,” he added.
Source: Hoops Wire
