"Steve Ballmer isn’t that dumb" - Mark Cuban backs $152B Clippers owner while warning Pablo Torre about fallout of allegation

"Steve Ballmer isn’t that dumb" - Mark Cuban backs $152 B Clippers owner while warning Pablo Torres about fallout of allegation (Image source: Getty)
"Steve Ballmer isn’t that dumb" - Mark Cuban backs $152 B Clippers owner while warning Pablo Torres about fallout of allegation (Image source: Getty)

Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban chimed in on Pablo Torre's allegation that Kawhi Leonard signed a fake endorsement deal with a company in order to help Steve Ballmer's LA Clippers circumvent the NBA's salary cap rules.

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Torre said on Wednesday that according to the documents he obtained, Leonard's $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration was to allegedly "circumvent the salary cap."

Cuban tweeted on Wednesday that he supports Ballmer, who has a net worth of $152.8 billion, according to Forbes.

"I’m on Team Ballmer," Cuban wrote. "As much as I wish they circumvented the salary cap, First Steve isn’t that dumb. If he did try to feed KL money, knowing what was at stake for him personally, and his team, do you think he would let the company go bankrupt? Knowing all creditors would be visible to the world?"
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Cuban added that Ballmer and the Clippers are just victims of Aspiration.

"They got scammed by Aspiration, along with many others. Crimes for which they pleaded guilty last week," Cuban added. "It’s sad that @PabloTorre didn’t take the time to find out how these scammers pulled off their scam. The idea that the default is Ballmer is the bad guy is going to back fire on him."
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Joseph Sanberg, the co-founder of Aspiration, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud last month, according to a press release from the US Attorney's Office.

Cuban is the former majority owner of the Mavericks. He sold his controlling stake to the families of Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont in December 2023. Cuban owns a 27% minority interest.

On the other hand, Ballmer purchased the Clippers in 2014. Forbes lists Ballmer as the eighth richest man in the world.

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Mark Cuban hints at a possible appearance on Pablo Torre's podcast

Pablo Torre replied to Mark Cuban's tweet on Wednesday, saying that they should discuss the issue on his podcast.

"Dear @mcuban: Care to come on @pablofindsout to discuss my reporting? I have some questions I'd love to ask you! Thanks, Pablo," Torre tweeted.
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In response to Torre's tweet, Cuban wrote:

"Just sent you a DM. Happy to."

NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement that the league has launched a formal investigation into the matter.

Los Angeles Clippers Fan? Check out the latest Clippers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos
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