Kawhi Leonard prepares to shoot a free throw during the 2019 NBA Finals. Leonard returnd to the Toronto Raptors via trade this offseason. Photo credit: Chensiyuan/Wikipedia Commons
In early September the NBA found the L.A. Clippers guilty of violating the salary cap rules while doing business with NBA star Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers were caught funnelling money to Leonard through a third party company, Daktronics, by creating a fake endorsement between the company and Kawhi Leonard.
This is just another case of teams and players breaking the rules revolving around money in the NBA. Just a few weeks before the investigation, NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were caught in a bribery and gambling probe and look to be severely punished legally. And last year Hall of fame player and Trailblazers coach Chauncey Billups was caught in a case of mob-tied, rigged poker games and illegal gambling. He is scheduled stand trial beginningon Nov. 2.
The Clippers were severely punished for their rule breaking scheme, as they were fined $30 million dollars, owner Steve Ballmer was suspended for one year from all team and league activities, and they were forced to forfeit five of their consecutive first round draft picks from 2029 to 2033.
All of this punishment yet Leonard is able to walk away scot-free, unlike the other NBA players and coaches. I mean, he has been able to go back to play for the Raptors without an ounce of punishment. Even though he’s just as guilty as anyone as he agreed to go through with the scheme.
Allowing Leonard to continue to play will now make a huge impact on the Eastern Conference as his addition to the Raptors has made them one of the biggest threats in the league. On October 13 he made his return to the city of Toronto, where he was welcomed without any mention of his shadiness. Leonard was exceptional, putting up 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals in just the first half. He’s still one of the most valuable players in the league.
Kawhi walking away without a scratch may send the wrong message to players and teams around the league when dealing with the rules on money in the sports business. Sports is becoming more of a business every day, and this is a great example of what’s to come.
