Kawhi Leonard is embroiled in a scandal involving a $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt eco-friendly bank. According to journalist Pablo Torre’s investigation, Leonard signed a deal with Aspiration in April 2022, where he would receive $28 million over four years without being required to promote the company. The contract included clauses allowing Leonard to decline promotional work, and payments would only continue if he remained a Clipper player ¹ ².

Key Points:

The Deal: Leonard’s company, KL2 Aspire LLC, received $28 million from Aspiration, with $7 million still owed according to Aspiration’s bankruptcy filings.

No Promotional Work: There is no record of Leonard publicly endorsing or promoting Aspiration.

Salary Cap Circumvention: Former Aspiration employees claim the deal was designed to circumvent the NBA salary cap, which the Clippers deny.

Investigation: The NBA launched an investigation into potential violations of the collective bargaining agreement.

Reactions:

Stephen A. Smith: Criticized Leonard, calling him “the worst superstar I have ever seen in sports history” and stating that Leonard’s pattern of behavior fits the allegations.

Steve Ballmer: Claimed he was “conned” by Aspiration’s founders and insisted the Clippers didn’t engage in salary cap circumvention.

Mark Cuban: Defended Ballmer, questioning the scheme’s logic given Leonard’s injury and Ballmer’s wealth ¹ ³.

Potential Consequences:

Fines: Up to $7.5 million under the 2023 CBA

Draft Picks: Forfeiture of draft picks

Contract Voiding: Possible voiding of contracts or transactions

Suspensions: Team personnel could face suspensions of up to one year ¹