Stephen A. Smith calls out NBA star Kawhi Leonard for letting Clippers take the fall for salary cap scandal
Stephen A. Smith Slammed Kawhi Leonard After Clippers’ Penalties
In a blistering segment on First Take, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith called out former Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard for “causing all the trouble” that led the team to one of the harshest punishments in NBA history. The clip came in the wake of the league’s announcement that the Clippers would pay a $30 million fine, surrender five first‑round draft picks, and suspend owner Steve Ballmer for one year after investigators uncovered a web of off‑the‑books payments that routed millions to Leonard and his uncle, Dennis Robertson.
Smith said, “For him to cause all the trouble that he's caused for this organization and to walk away with nothing more than having to surrender $700,000 worth of restitution is a crime,” adding that Leonard is “a gangster.” He went on to claim that the former Finals MVP “broke the rules, got caught, pointed the finger at somebody else, threw the organization under the bus, got his money and left the country.”
The Scandal That Unfolded
The investigation revealed that the Clippers used sponsorship contracts with companies such as Aspiration and Daktronics to funnel cash to Leonard and his uncle. The scheme, which involved millions in off‑the‑book payments, prompted federal and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probes. Dennis Robertson received a five‑year NBA ban for his role.
While the league’s sanction on the franchise was severe, the penalty levied on Leonard himself was comparatively light. The player was fined $700,000 and was not suspended. He also waived a $7.45 million trade kicker to facilitate his move back to the Toronto Raptors, effectively clearing the way for his return to the NBA’s northern border.
The Clippers’ Heavy-Handed Punishment
The NBA’s response to the scandal was described by league officials as the “most brutal penalty in league history.” In addition to the $30 million fine and the five lost first‑round picks, the league suspended owner Steve Ballmer for one season. The penalties were aimed at sending a clear message that the league would not tolerate the kind of off‑the‑books deals that were uncovered.
“We are taking this matter very seriously,” said an NBA spokesperson. “The league’s disciplinary action reflects the seriousness of the violations.”
Kawhi Leonard’s Exit and the Aftermath
Leonard, who had led the Clippers to a deep playoff run, left the organization following the fine and was subsequently traded to the Toronto Raptors. He departed the United States without missing a single game, citing “total ignorance” of the illicit dealings. The trade was finalized without the player facing any suspension, and he returned to play in the NBA’s eastern region.
The league’s decision to impose only a modest fine on Leonard, despite the scale of the alleged transactions, has drawn criticism. Smith was among several commentators who questioned why the league’s discipline was so uneven, noting that “the rest of the team and the organization suffered far more than he did.”
Federal and SEC Probes Continue
The investigations by federal prosecutors and the SEC are ongoing. While the NBA has already imposed its sanctions, the legal proceedings could lead to further penalties for the individuals involved. Robertson’s five‑year ban is part of a broader effort to hold those who facilitate illegal transactions accountable.
Public Reaction and Media Commentary
Smith’s remarks have sparked debate among fans, analysts, and former players. Some argue that Leonard’s role in the scheme was limited and that the fine was a fair compromise. Others see the league’s treatment of the player as a stark example of double standards.
“We’ve seen cases where executives and front‑office staff take the heat, while the star players walk away largely unscathed,” said a former NBA general manager. “That’s a problem that needs to be addressed.”
Meanwhile, the Clippers have begun the process of rebuilding. The loss of five first‑round picks will significantly alter the team’s draft strategy, and the owner’s one‑year suspension will require new leadership to fill the void.
Looking Ahead
The NBA’s handling of the Clippers’ scandal underscores the league’s increasing willingness to enforce its salary‑cap rules and address off‑the‑books financial arrangements. As the federal and SEC investigations progress, further information may emerge about the full extent of the scheme and its participants.
For now, the league has sent a clear message: the price of violating the NBA’s financial rules can be steep, and the penalties may extend far beyond the individual involved. Whether Kawhi Leonard’s light fine will satisfy fans and stakeholders remains to be seen.
The story continues to develop as investigators dig deeper into the alleged payments and the league’s regulatory framework. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation.