By Stefan Acevski / info@eurohoops.net
Following the conclusion of the NBA’s investigation into the salary cap violation case involving the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard, investigative journalist Pablo Torre shared more details about Leonard’s involvement.
Despite Leonard stating that he was unaware of any wrongdoing, Torre argues that it is unlikely the Clippers star was oblivious to what was happening.
Speaking on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Torre said, “I’m a big fan of treating adults like adults. Kawhi Leonard is 35 years old, and we have documents; there’s even a $28 million Aspiration contract with his signature on it.
We have the money trail. Meanwhile, he is directly mentioned in the NBA report. This isn’t (his uncle) Dennis Robertson. The report specifically states that Mr. Leonard requested Aspiration to change the payment method to him. Initially, they were like, ‘We’ll give you seven million annually as stock, and four-five million annually as salary.'”
As announced by the NBA, Leonard was fined $700,000 for violating rules by pressuring the Clippers to assist him in obtaining off-court income opportunities, successfully securing these opportunities, and failing to repay the Clippers for personal expenses they covered.
Statement by Kawhi Leonard
“The integrity and respect I have for this game are the fundamental who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment made by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this has caused for fans and my family.
I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone’s part to circumvent the salary cap.
For 15 years, my priority has been to give everything to my family, the game, and those I share the court with. As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate.”
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