Investigators Broaden NBA Inquiry Into Clippers and Kawhi Leonard
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NBA investigators are examining whether the Los Angeles Clippers paid expenses for forward Kawhi Leonard that were never reimbursed, expanding a probe that was previously focused on Leonard’s endorsement agreement with the sustainability-focused firm Aspiration, according to The Athletic.
The report indicates the league is also exploring the possibility that Leonard had an additional sponsorship deal with another company beyond his known partnership with Aspiration. Investigators have interviewed former Aspiration employees, some of whom said the firm once discussed marketing campaigns centered on Leonard—one concept reportedly drew inspiration from Groot, the Marvel character—before shelving the plans.
Throughout the investigation, the Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer have maintained that they were defrauded by Joe Sanberg, Aspiration’s former co-founder, and have denied any violation of league rules. Nonetheless, league and team officials cited by The Athletic believe Los Angeles could face disciplinary action when the inquiry ends.
The ongoing review has also delayed a separate transaction: Toronto’s pending trade for Leonard cannot be finalized until the NBA completes its work, ensuring the Raptors will not assume any penalties that might arise from the findings.
Neither the league nor the Clippers have offered a timeline for when the investigation will conclude.
Source: Hoops Wire
