• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 3, 2025

Torre: Key Phrases Missing in Clippers’ Pushback on Kawhi Deal

The Clippers issued an expanded statement Wednesday night, which reporter Pablo Torre questioned.

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Clippers issued an expanded statement Wednesday denying that the organization or owner Steve Ballmer circumvented the NBA’s salary cap. The team said it was “absurd” to suggest Ballmer invested in sustainable service company Aspiration to funnel money to Kawhi Leonard.

“There is nothing unusual or untoward about team sponsors doing endorsement deals with players on the same team. Neither Steve nor the Clippers organization had any oversight of Kawhi’s independent endorsement agreement with Aspiration. To say otherwise is flat-out wrong,” the statement, shared by ESPN’s Shams Charania, read, in part.

The Clippers also said that neither the organization nor Ballmer was aware of fraudulent activity by Aspiration or its cofounder Joe Sanberg, who pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud last month. Aspiration was a team sponsor for two seasons (2021–22 and 2022–23) “before defaulting on its contract.”

However, Pablo Torre, host of Pablo Torre Finds Out, which published the podcast episode investigating the Clippers, has some questions about the content of the statement.

Torre posted on X that the Clippers’ new statement did not include the phrase that the allegations were “provably false,” which was in the original statement the organization issued to Torre on Tuesday, the day before the podcast episode was published.

He also questioned what the team meant when it said Ballmer and the organization did not have any “oversight” of Leonard’s deal with Aspiration.

The NBA issued its own statement Wednesday saying it has commenced an investigation following Torre’s report. 

Endorsement deals are allowed under the league’s CBA, though circumvention of the salary cap may be evaluated when the compensation “is substantially in excess of the fair market value of any services.” 

Torre’s reporting, which included conversations with seven former Aspiration employees, said that Leonard was paid $28 million over four years despite not fulfilling any endorsements for Aspiration. He was also paid exponentially more than Aspiration’s other celebrity endorsers.

Mark Cuban Weighs In

Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban quote-tweeted Torre’s report, saying he is on “Team Ballmer.” He pointed the finger at Aspiration for being a “scammer.” 

“It’s sad that @PabloTorre didn’t take the time to find out how these scammers pulled off their scam. The idea that the default is Ballmer is the bad guy is going to back fire on him,” Cuban posted.

Torre then responded to Cuban, asking whether he wanted to come on his show to discuss the reporting and answer some questions as well. On Thursday, Cuban posted again, thanking Torre for having him on: “How long did we talk, almost 3 hours ? Really enjoyed it.”

Torre was previously called out by Bill Simmons for reporting on Bill Belichick, Jordon Hudson, and UNC—and appeared on The Bill Simmons Podcast a week later to discuss his reporting.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Caitlin Clark
exclusive

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Cathy Engelbert

WNBA Stars Ripped the Commissioner. Where Does the League Go From Here?

Engelbert is set to address the media at the Finals on Friday.
Kuminga

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 

Featured Today

Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 23, 2025

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.
Jun 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) and relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (39) celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Citi Field.
September 29, 2025

Two of the Mets’ Biggest Stars Could Dictate Important Offseason

The Mets missed the playoffs despite having one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
September 30, 2025

Tyreek Hill’s Injury Complicates Financial Future With Dolphins

Releasing the receiver after this season would cost $28 million.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
September 29, 2025

Mariners to End 37-Year RSN Run, Join MLB’s In-House Media Model

The Mariners-owned regional sports network is shutting down operations.
September 25, 2025

Celtics Owner Bill Chisholm: Boston Should Have a WNBA Team

Chisholm spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time as Celtics owner.
Aug 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello calls out a play in the second half to her team against the Phoenix Mercury at Footprint Center.
September 25, 2025

Liberty GM Defends Controversial Brondello Firing

Kolb said he has confidence that the team’s stars will return.
Apr 29, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New Jersey Devils center Michael McLeod (20) during the first period against the New York Rangers in game six of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
September 23, 2025

Rumors of Canes Interest in Hockey Canada Trial Players Provokes Fan Backlash

Hurricanes fans are threatening to boycott if Carolina signs the acquitted players.