Kawhi Leonard Declines to Comment on Pablo Torre's Latest Reporting

NBA player Kawhi Leonard has stated he does not follow or find entertainment in the ongoing reporting by journalist Pablo Torre, whose investigation has focused on Leonard's past endorsement deals, including one with Boingo Wireless.

Torre's show, "Pablo Torre Finds Out," recently released an episode detailing a $1.9 million payment Leonard received from Boingo Wireless. According to the report, the sole work Leonard performed for this payment was a single hour-long photo opportunity with U.S. military members at Camp Pendleton in 2022. A former Boingo executive, speaking anonymously to Torre, described the arrangement as "really gross."

This Boingo Wireless deal was among four endorsement contracts with Leonard that were central to the NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers for salary cap circumvention. The NBA's findings led to a $30 million fine for the franchise, the forfeiture of five future first-round draft picks, and suspensions for team executives, including owner Steve Ballmer. Leonard himself was required to pay $700,000 in restitution for improper benefits received from the Clippers, and his former business manager, Dennis Robertson, received a five-year ban from NBA business dealings.

When questioned by a Toronto media member about whether he keeps up with Torre's reporting, Leonard responded, "No, I don’t follow it. I don’t know what to think of it all, [or] really, expect. I’m not really entertained by it."

Leonard had previously stated at the Raptors' media day availability that he would not discuss the NBA's investigation into the Clippers' salary cap rules. He reiterated this stance when asked about Torre's work, adding, "Like I said before, the NBA did their job. The PA did their job. I don’t know. I don’t even know what [Torre is] talking about."

Federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission also initiated investigations into the Clippers concerning allegations of circumventing the NBA's salary cap for Leonard. The NBA's investigation concluded with the Clippers facing significant penalties, and Leonard being subjected to restitution and his former business manager being banned from NBA dealings.