Journalist Pablo Torre says he will not retreat from his story alleging that Kawhi Leonard holds a $28 million endorsement agreement with Clippers sponsor Aspiration that could violate league rules, a report that has already prompted a formal NBA investigation.
During an appearance on the podcast “Nothing Personal with David Samson,” Torre criticized commentators who have questioned his findings without conducting their own research. “If you didn’t do the work but you’re talking confidently, it is obvious to those who did,” he said.
Reaction around the NBA has varied. Former Dallas Mavericks majority owner Mark Cuban publicly backed Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, calling himself “Team Ballmer,” while ESPN insider Shams Charania suggested deals similar to Leonard’s are not uncommon. Torre argued that such responses highlight the problem: “Why would people tell you this is normal? Because it’s absurd. If you are listening closely, that is the real story.”
Some critics have faulted Torre for not producing a definitive paper trail comparable to the documents that sank the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Joe Smith case 25 years ago. Torre replied that most offenders avoid putting incriminating details in writing, adding that he possesses contracts linking Leonard, Aspiration and the Clippers. Those documents were displayed on his desk during a recent episode of his “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast.
The reporter also dismissed skepticism about his sources’ reliability, noting that although Aspiration has faced federal fraud charges, none of his seven sources is under legal threat. “These are people I stake my reputation on,” Torre said.
Fans on social media have largely supported Torre and called for a thorough league review. Torre said he welcomes any scrutiny: “I would love to talk about what we reported with anybody, in any setting, under any spotlight.”
Source: Hoops Wire
