The LA Clippers scandal has become a PR headache for ESPN
ESPN has caught scrutiny for its framing of the LA Clippers' salary cap scandal, which one PR pro called "very misleading."
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and star Kawhi Leonard faced NBA punishment, leading ESPN under the microscope for its reporting. Critics argue ESPN's reporting was soft compared to Pulitzer winner Pablo Torre's. The NBA's harsh ruling against the Clippers for salary cap violations drew widespread criticism. ESPN's August 17 story cited unnamed sources claiming the NBA had no evidence of Ballmer funneling money to Leonard through sponsors.
The story also mentioned an anonymous source predicting the argument would be dismissed. This narrative set up an opposing story to Torre's, creating a "ESPN vs Pablo" dynamic online. Despite the NBA's $30 million fine, $700,000 fine for Leonard, and a year suspension for Ballmer, ESPN hasn't issued corrections. Media industry insiders claim ESPN's framing missed the mark by suggesting a lenient penalty.
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