The $40 Million Penalty that Exposes a Deeper Rot in the League The NBA's $40 million fine against the LA Clippers and the one year suspension of owner Steve Ballmer are a symptom of a larger problem plaguing the league.
At its core, this scandal revolves around Kawhi Leonard's endorsement contract with Aspiration Fund Adviser LLC, which was at the center of a massive Ponzi scheme.
The fact that no one raised red flags about the legitimacy of their business dealings with the Clippers is astonishing.