Stephen A. Smith Wants Kawhi Leonard, Steve Ballmer Banned for a Year
After an update in Kawhi Leonard's endorsement deal scandal, Stephen A. Smith says Leonard and Steve Ballmer must be banned.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith has called for NBA suspensions of both Kawhi Leonard and Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer for at least a year, in response to alleged fraudulent endorsement deals involving the basketball star. According to Pablo Torre of the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast, Leonard received millions from his deal with Daktronics, a company that manufactured the Intuit Dome's Halo video screen.
Smith expressed concern that Leonard's alleged involvement in two undisclosed sponsorship deals, in addition to the Aspiration deal, demonstrates that the NBA must take swift action to prevent future instances of circumventing the salary cap. He suggested harsh penalties, including confiscation of draft picks and a year-long banishment, to send a strong message to players and owners that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The NBA's ongoing investigation into Leonard's endorsements has put a hold on a proposed trade sending him to the Toronto Raptors, with Commissioner Adam Silver stating that the probe must be concluded before the 2026-27 season begins.
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