Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard stated during media day that he does not follow reporting regarding his former contract details with the Los Angeles Clippers, addressing recent coverage published by journalist Pablo Torre. The remarks come as federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission examine the franchise following a league penalty.
Kawhi Leonard Addresses Pablo Torre Reporting
Leonard dismissed questions from a Toronto media member about whether he had been tracking Torre’s latest investigative reporting. The reports focus on an endorsement agreement between Leonard and Boingo Wireless, which allegedly included $1.9 million in payments.
“No, I don’t follow it,” Leonard said during the team’s media availability. “I don’t know what to think of it all, [or] really, expect. I’m not really entertained by it.”
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Torre’s reporting detailed that $672,000 of Leonard’s Boingo payment was tied to a one-hour photo opportunity with members of the United States military at Camp Pendleton in 2022. A former Boingo executive described the arrangement to the journalist as “really gross.”
NBA Penalties and Prior Investigations
The inquiries follow a separate investigation by the NBA into the Clippers organization regarding salary cap violations. That probe resulted in a $30 million fine for the franchise and the forfeiture of five first-round draft picks spanning from 2029 through 2033.
The league also suspended owner Steve Ballmer for one year, alongside suspensions for Gillian Zucker and Lawrence Frank. Leonard was ordered to pay the NBA $700,000 in restitution for improper benefits supplied by the team. His former business manager and uncle, Dennis Robertson, also received a five-year ban from NBA business dealings.
Leonard maintained that his focus remains on the actions taken by the league and the players’ association. “Like I said before, the NBA did their job,” Leonard said. “The PA did their job. I don’t know. I don’t even know what [Torre is] talking about.”
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