Pablo Torre on the NBA’s Clippers report and ‘delight’ across a year of reporting
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Pablo Torre and his podcast team launched an investigation a year ago into a secret $28 million deal involving Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, uncovering a complex cap circumvention scheme funded by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.
- The NBA’s recent independent report, conducted by law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, largely confirmed Torre’s findings and imposed unprecedented punishments on the Clippers, including draft pick forfeitures and suspensions of key executives.
- Torre expressed surprise at the extent of internal Clippers cooperation with the NBA investigation and emphasized that the severity of the penalties was justified given the evidence presented.
- The investigation has drawn attention from federal authorities, including the SEC, which is probing a public company involved in the scheme, suggesting further legal developments may be forthcoming.
- Torre reflected on the public’s strong interest in substantive sports business reporting and expressed satisfaction in achieving accountability for wealthy individuals, while remaining open to continuing the investigative process as new information emerges.
