Kawhi Leonard spoke publicly Monday at Clippers media day about allegations tied to a $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, saying he did not receive all the money he was owed but insisting there was no wrongdoing. Leonard said the NBA will investigate and that the situation will not be a distraction for him or the team.

The report that sparked the inquiry alleged the organization violated salary cap rules involving Leonard’s contract with the California-based company. The league has hired an outside firm to run its investigation. The Clippers strongly deny any rules broken and said they welcome the investigation.

Kawhi Leonard addresses circumvention allegations

Leonard confirmed he was owed about $7 million of the $28 million deal when Aspiration filed for bankruptcy. “I got to look back at the books,” Leonard said, adding, “but it was more than that, for sure.” When asked if he received the money he was owed, Leonard replied, “Uh, no, but the company went belly up. It was fraud as everyone knows.”

On the suggestion that he did nothing in exchange for the payments, Leonard was blunt: “I don’t think it’s accurate.” He emphasized the company went bankrupt some time ago and said the current coverage is new to the media. Leonard made clear his focus remains on the upcoming season and that he does not pay attention to headlines or “new conspiracy theories.”

What Kawhi Leonard said at media day

“The NBA is going to do their job. None of us did no wrongdoing and that’s it,” Leonard.
He said the situation will not be a distraction for him or the rest of the team.
On receiving funds: Leonard acknowledged he hadd not been paid the full amount and described the company as having gone “belly up.”

Team response and the ongoing investigation

Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank read a statement saying the team is “eager for the truth to come out” and called the assumptions and conclusions in the report “disappointing and upsetting.” Frank stressed the organization expects the investigation to show the allegations are wrong.

He also defended owner Steve Ballmer, who invested $50 million in Aspiration and announced a $300 million partnership between the company and the Clippers in September 2021. Frank “hurt for Steve” and described him as “one of the best people and most honorable people I’ve ever met.”

Financial fallout and Aspiration’s collapse

Aspiration later filed for bankruptcy and the Clippers said the team ended its relationship after the contract was in default. Aspiration co-founder Joseph Sanberg agreed to plead guilty after facing federal charges alleging he defrauded investors and lenders of $248 million. Prosecutors said Aspiration’s financial statements were inaccurate and overstated revenue.

Lawrence Frank reminded reporters that “this was a case of widespread fraud and there were a lot of different victims.” Aspiration owed Leonard about $7 million when it filed for bankruptcy.

Questions about representatives and possible perks

The league previously looked into claims involving Leonard’s representatives and whether certain perks sought would amount to cap circumvention when he was a free agent. Leonard’s uncle, Dennis Robertson, is under scrutiny for his role in the endorsement deal. When asked if Robertson sought extra benefits for Leonard that would violate salary-cap rules, Frank replied: “Dennis knows the rules, Kawhi knows the rules, Mitch Frankel knows the rules and we know the rules.” Frankel is Leonard’s agent.

Potential penalties if circumvention is found

If the league finds cap rules broken, penalties could be severe — including fines up to $7.5 million, voiding of contracts, and forfeiture of future draft picks. The Clippers said they are confident the full investigation will reveal the complete picture.

Leonard’s focus remains the upcoming season

Throughout the comments, Leonard’s emphasis is focus on the Clippers and training camp. The situation, he said, will not distract him. Team officials repeatedly stated they welcome the investigation and are confident in their compliance with league rules.

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