The Herd with Colin Cowherd Hoops Tonight - Reaction to Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer & Clippers scandal reported by 'Pablo Torre Finds Out'
Sep 7, 2025
Get ready for a deep dive into one of the biggest scandals shaking the NBA! Discussions revolve around the alleged under-the-table payments made to Kawhi Leonard by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. The implications of these actions raise questions about the integrity of the league and the accountability of its stars. From the controversies of contract dynamics to the web of endorsements, the episode unpacks the murky waters of competitive practices versus fair play in professional sports. This is not just about basketball; it's about the ethics in sports!
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The Aspiration Contract Is The Smoking Gun
- Pablo Torre's report ties a $28M Aspiration deal to Kawhi's second Clippers contract and flags suspicious clauses.
- The deal paid Kawhi ~$7M/year while allowing him to opt out of duties and cut payments if he left the Clippers.
Clauses Reveal Team-Tied Payments
- Two contract clauses made the deal suspicious: broad opt-out for Kawhi and cancellation if he left the Clippers.
- That combination suggests payment tied to team membership, not genuine endorsement work.
Ballmer's $50M Creates The Transitive Link
- The link between Ballmer and Aspiration was crucial to allege circumvention of the salary cap.
- Documents indicate Ballmer gave $50M to Aspiration just before Kawhi's deal, creating a financial transitive link.