Justice Department opens federal investigation into Clippers' dealings with Kawhi Leonard

The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer, according to a report in the New York Times. The probe focuses on the team's attempts to secure non-existent endorsement deals for NBA star Kawhi Leonard. The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn, a division that typically handles issues pertaining to professional sports leagues.

At this early stage, it remains uncertain if any federal charges will result from the probe. This comes alongside the Securities and Exchange Commission's scrutiny of Daktronics, a company that had an endorsement deal with Leonard despite having no prior celebrity endorsers and lacking evidence of Leonard's involvement with the business.