Kawhi Leonard claims reviews of Clippers’ wage cap controversy not ‘correct’

Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard refutes a number of reviews that he took a ‘no-show job’ to assist the group evade the NBA wage cap by over $28 million

Kawhi Leonard stated the allegation that he signed up for a no-show job with a now-bankrupt firm to assist the Los Angeles Clippers circumvent the wage cap is nothing however a conspiracy principle.

On the group’s preseason media day Monday (Tuesday, September 30, Manila time), Leonard spoke publicly for the primary time since reporting by the podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out” linked an endorsement deal Leonard had with sustainability companies firm Aspiration to Clippers proprietor Steve Ballmer funneling him an additional $28 million.

“It’s simple for me (to not be distracted),” Leonard stated. “I don’t learn headlines or do conspiracy theories or something like that. It’s in regards to the season and what we’ve bought forward of us proper now. Tomorrow we’ll begin camp, and see what we bought.”

The NBA is now probing the deal, which Ballmer has claimed he had no information of, regardless of initially introducing Leonard to Aspiration in 2021. In September 2021, the Clippers introduced a $300 million partnership with Aspiration, across the similar time Leonard signed a four-year, $173 million extension with the Clippers.

Among the many questions Leonard confronted at his press convention Monday was whether or not he knew what the endorsement deal required him to do.

“I perceive the complete contract and the companies I needed to do,” Leonard stated. “Like I stated, I don’t cope with the conspiracies or clickbait analysts or journalism that’s occurring. In order that’s what it’s.”

He then acknowledged he disagreed with the notion he was not requested to do something as a part of the contract.

“I don’t suppose it’s correct. However, it’s outdated,” Leonard stated. “That is all new to you guys. The corporate went bankrupt some time in the past, so, we already knew this was going to occur.”

Aspiration filed for Chapter 11 chapter in March and its co-founder, Joe Sanberg, was arrested on expenses of defrauding traders.

Leonard confirmed not solely that the cope with Aspiration existed, however that he was owed “greater than” $7 million by the now-bankrupt group.

Like Ballmer earlier this month, Leonard stated he welcomed the NBA’s investigation.

“The NBA’s gonna do their job. None of us did no wrongdoing. And, yeah, that’s it,” Leonard stated. “We invite the investigations. It’s not gonna be a distraction for me or the remainder of the group.” – Rappler.com